MERCHANT - Women's Sweaters and Fleece

POSITION SUMMARY:
Lead a cross-functional team that delivers consistent results in product innovation, sales, margin and inventory turn. Drive strategy, innovation and development of a trend right/brand right Omni Channel product assortment for assigned category /department that meets the needs of the AE customer.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Establish, drive and execute a strategic Omni product vision and business plan through effective communication and coordination with cross-functional business partners inclusive of design, international merchandising, planning, etc.
Work closely with Design team to interpret and forecast trends for assigned areas through the AE customer lens. Develop and assort trend right and brand right product. Drive product innovation.
Understand (at all times) competition and marketplace inclusive of Brick and Mortar AND Digital competition. Make brand right and informed decisions for assigned departments/categories based upon the competitive landscape/marketplace and the needs of the AE customer.
In partnership with the planning team, establish seasonal strategic plans for sales, markdowns, inventory, and growth opportunity. Effectively manage in-season business to maximize topline sales and minimize markdowns. Work in conjunction with planning to manage the Open-to-Buy as far as receipts, sales, margin, markdowns, and Weeks of Supply.
Analyze performance and plans constantly to look for sales and margin opportunities to exceed plan; quickly adapt and respond to changes/trends occurring in the business and in the marketplace.
AE: Develop and drive test and react strategy across all channels.
Effectively and efficiently run business meetings to ensure objectives and deadlines are met.
Perform other duties as assigned.

KEY BUSINESS PARTNERS:

Design
Production
Merchandise & Inventory Planning
Business Strategies
Marketing
Site Merchandising

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or equivalent required.
5+ years prior buying experience from a specialty retailer.
5+ years experience in a leadership role.
Ability to manage a cross functional team.
Aggressive and passionate individual will be most successful in this and future roles.
Keen sense of fashion exhibited through personal taste.
Understanding of fashion designer labels and how to interpret their seasonal stories/messages for the AE customer both domestically and internationally.
Excellent analytical and creative skills to challenge the planning and design sides of the organization.
Demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy (coolness and composure under strain, confidence without arrogance).
Risk Taker - Carefully considers risk/reward, ready to try new ways of doing things to improve learning.
Forward Thinking/Innovative – Not satisfied with the status quo, ahead of the times, advanced views, creating something like nothing done or experienced before.
Persuasive - Able to motivate others through the appropriate use of interpersonal styles and communication methods to gain acceptance of a product, service, or idea.
Strategic – Possesses the ability to conceptualize and understand risks facing a business as well as the ability to create a strategy surrounding a specific opportunity. Build creative solutions and plans that meet objectives and maximize impact.
Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Travel is required, including the potential for international travel.
High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.
Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer