MERCHANDISER - Coldweather - Chicago, IL

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Develops, directs & merchandises product categories assigned & product line building activities for designated products
• Works closely with the Design team on finalizing specs, samples, costing once styles have been adopted for production
• Communicates brand and / or market needs to Designer for specific product categories assigned by the President
• Issue product requirements including initial margin goals to team merchandisers and Sourcing Manager
• Responsible for achieving initial gross margins goals for product lines assigned
• Communicates & interacts with suppliers and factories to develop samples and maintain product categories. Prepares tech packs for factories
• Participates and presents concepts and products to customers including Licensors during major presentations.
• Work with Sales team and Marketing teams to ensure timely delivery of samples, catalogs, and communications for the season, trade shows, e-commerce site
• Understanding of all targeted consumer groups and retail distribution
• Own and manage the calendar workflow to insure timely completion of all seasonal development milestones and crucial presentations.
• Coordinate Final Adoption meetings and issue final adopt list
• Responsible for controlling sample budget for their area of responsibility
• Analyze past figures/trends to anticipate future product needs for core assortments and one off product opportunities.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising or equivalent degree/experience
• 3-5 years' experience in merchandising of consumer products preferably relating to men's accessories for the better marketTechnical knowledge as it relates to raw materials and finished goods manufacturing, product costing
  • Experience in Cold-weather headwear, hats, men's hats, cut & sew, knits required
• Supervisory experience and/or leadership skills
• Interpersonal, analytical and creative writing/communicating and organizational skills
• Computer literate in Microsoft Word, Excel and other Office Products, Adobe Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop a plus
• Knowledge of Product Development Cycle Management such as PLM or similar program
• Ability to organize work activities with attention to detail and good follow-through skills
• Available to travel domestically and internationally