Assistant Merchant (Hybrid)

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***This will be a hybrid role that will be on-site two days per week in Hoffman Estates, IL***

Assistant Merchant

About the Role

The Assistant Merchant will be responsible for supporting the merchandising team across all aspects of the business. The Assistant Merchant will play a critical role in the detailed management of the product lifecycle process, in tracking and organizing samples, in preparing sales reports, and in supporting the daily functions of the team.

• Support Merchant or Merchandise Manager and merchandising team on all day-to-day functions for assigned category.

• Own multiple administrative tasks such as: Creating and preparing reports, recaps, and samples for daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal meetings; Writing, updating and tracking purchase orders; Tracking product submits and samples; Maintaining seasonal buy recaps; and other deliverables to ensure timelines are met and that all information is complete and accurate.

• Manage and maintain sample process, which includes sorting styles by category and/or season on a regular basis, as well as coordinating and tracking all samples to ensure requirements are met and any product changes are communicated to the merchandise category owners and cross-functional teams prior to shipment.

• Create and maintain style boards and line sheets with key product details to effectively communicate necessary information to cross-functional teams and partners.

• Create and update purchase orders.

• Develop and maintain cross-functional relationships with Design, Product Development, Marketing, Planning, ISP, and other merchandising partners to understand and learn the 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/Icing; Reports back findings, white space opportunities, and any relevant actions.

• Manage all e-mail correspondence effectively and efficiently, escalating concerns where necessary to the merchandising team.

• Display financial understanding and utilization of basic retail math to help analyze your department's business on weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis.

Qualifications

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

• Experience in a retail environment and/or experience in merchandise buying preferred.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Strong organizational, planning, administrative, and written and verbal communication skills

• Basic retail math skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Excel)

• DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Takes ownership and responsibility to achieve business results. Effectively prioritizes daily assignments and plans to work accordingly. Consistently meets deadlines and expectations.

• LEARNING ORIENTED: Actively develops self and/or others using internal/external methods for growth. Pushes self by setting challenging goals to continuously improve.

• ENERGIZE OTHERS: Proactively motivates and inspires others and positively challenges others to be their best. Works collaboratively with other team members. Seeks opportunity to bring positive energy into the workplace.

• CHAMPION OF CHANGE : Embraces new ways of working, has continuous improvement mindset, and inspires others.

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.