Merchandiser, Hardlines

Specific Responsibilities :

The Merchandiser assists the Sales Director to execute seasonal merchandising process, from concept to delivery, by analyzing sales history and bringing market fresh, trend-appropriate ideas that meet customer needs and actively contribute to drive sales, and ensuring the timely execution of each stage in the process.  Product categories include: Household products (Cookware & Tableware), Furniture, Luggage & Bags, Camping & Accessories, Home Decor and Seasonal Products.

• Provide support by partnering with Production and Sales to ensure execution to time-and-action calendar and timely delivery of goods, sales growth, and attainment of margin goals; raise/identify quality and technical issues and suggest solutions; contribute to category forecasting and ensure progress toward established financial goals
• Collaboratively contribute in merchandising strategy and assortment plans for each category by creative approaches and market researches as set by management; achieve the right balance of key items, value, price point, SKU count and volume; collaborate on concept development to ensure assortment meets cost structure(s)
• Actively communicate and follow-up with internal and external constituents around the world, including customers, oversea offices, freight forwarders, and suppliers to execute tasks and deliver positive results offices to ensure high quality, customer service satisfaction, logistical solutions and timely delivery on orders
• Organize, lead and timely execute all aspects of the artwork process from the design phase to the commercial packaging; coordination of artwork files, review, and approval process with design agencies and internal cross-functional partners; communicate and manage artwork timelines, milestones and status of projects to oversea offices and customer
• Proactively organize merchandise and showroom; manage, coordinate, and distribute incoming/outgoing samples to/from factory and customer until production, including various mailing and packaging needs
• Analyze product performance, market conditions and feedback from customers continuously, including attending industry events and conducting competitive shopping of product categories for analysis of new product ideas and market trends; update assortment and identify and suggest opportunities based on analysis; assist with problem solving as needed
• Present suggestions to supervisors; actively participate in review meetings, including edits, board review, pre-costing, line reviews, adoption and post-season review
• Communicate effectively and contribute positively to team dynamic; provide customer service on product launch; manage and proactively solve problems where necessary

Skills and Requirements:

• Experience and understanding of wholesale hard goods merchandising, manufacturing, global supply chain operations, and mass market distribution
• Strong ability to multi-task, anticipate and meet deadlines; highly motivated, detail oriented, and punctual while independently solve problems in a fast-paced and time critical environment
• Strong ability to take initiative and to proactively provide support when necessary; superior ability to perform efficiently, effectively and positively as a team player
• Superior organizational and analytical skills; excellent communication skills
• Entrepreneurial drive tempered by judgment and strong problem solving skills
• Creativity, sensibility, and anticipation for sales, merchandising, logistics and customer needs
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Relevant experience in Hard Goods category and in merchandising or buying
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office