Associate, Merchant (Hybrid)

Job Description

The Associate Merchant will support Merchants to curate commercial, global, trend right assortments – with a constant consideration for our customer. Having independent ownership for a product area - responsible for supporting in the delivery of key financial metrics, merchandising strategy, business analysis, line building, building cross-functional relationships. The Associate Merchant will play a key role in overseeing Assistant Merchant tasks and execution.

Main Responsibilities

• Support Merchant or Merchandise Manager and merchandising team on all day-to-day functions for assigned category, in addition to learning and taking ownership for assigned area
• In partnership with Merchant/Merchandise Manager, compile seasonal hindsight, develop seasonal merchandise strategy and roadmap for assigned area of responsibility that ties to financial plans and seasonal goals
• Analyze business and key KPIs weekly and seasonally, and present recommendations & findings to leads; take ownership for area of responsibility
• Own seasonal buys and style ranking for area of ownership; In partnership with Merchant, create pre-season promotional strategies and support lead on balance of category where required
• Manage and oversee product tracking for assigned category to ensure on time delivery. Elevate any potential risk to upper management
• Develop and maintain cross-functional relationships with Design, Product Development, Marketing, Planning, ISP and other merchandising partners to collaborate on seasonal buying process
• Expert in customer and global competition for assigned department, understanding other retailers’ assortments, pricing and promotional strategies in comparison to Claire’s. Reports back findings, white space opportunities, and any relevant actions
• Oversee execution and completion of assistant level tasks which include sample tracking and management, creation, preparation and maintenance of reports and recaps, purchase order creation and maintenance
• Manage all e-mail correspondence effectively and efficiently, escalating concerns where necessary to the merchandising team
• Create and facilitate an effective work environment by coaching, developing and mentoring team, developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, modelling teamwork, recognizing and maintaining open communication
• Maintain all seasonal selling reports & records (recaps, style boards, line sheets) and distribute to cross-functional partners as needed to maintain clear communication across the organization

Decision Making

Level of Decision Making:

Makes every day operational decisions to get the job done Makes job function and tactical decisions that could affect others Makes job function and strategic decisions that could affect the overall company

Education and/or Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, business, or related field

• 2-3 years merchandising or retail buying experience

Essential Criteria, Competencies and Skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and solution-oriented decision-making
• Strong organizational, planning, administrative, and written and verbal communication skills
• Innovative & open minded individual
• Consumer led
• Understanding of retail math
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Excel)

Job descriptions are continually a "work in progress." This job description is meant as a guide. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned at any given time as both the business dictates and the function of the job changes. The job description doesn't constitute a contract of employment and that the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time. Employees with disabilities must meet qualification standards that are job-related and consistent with business necessity and must be able to perform the “essential functions” of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Claire’s is committed to adhering to all applicable company policies and federal, state, and local laws and regulations. All positions will be compensated at or above the legally mandated minimum wage for the location in which work is performed. The final compensation will be determined by various factors such as relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.

Benefits for full-time employees included medical, dental, and vision insurance, voluntary welfare plans, bonus plan eligibility, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time* and paid leave.

Benefits for part-time employees included voluntary welfare plans, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time* and paid leave in required states.

*Sick Time: For the State of Washington, all employees will accrue paid sick time at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.

Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.

Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. To request accommodation, please email [email protected] . Only messages sent for this purpose will be considered.