Assistant Merchandiser

Aquent is partnering with a globally recognized leader in entertainment and consumer products, a company celebrated for its innovative storytelling and beloved brands. This organization is at the forefront of creating magical experiences for millions worldwide, constantly evolving its product offerings across various retail and digital platforms.

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of merchandising and play a pivotal role in bringing captivating products to life for consumers across diverse channels? We're seeking a passionate and highly organized individual to join a dynamic team, where your expertise will directly influence the product assortments available to customers through e-commerce platforms, retail locations, and third-party marketplaces. This is an incredible opportunity to shape consumer experiences and contribute to the success of a globally beloved brand, working closely with merchandise leaders to develop and execute strategies that meet both financial and creative goals.

As a key contributor to the Merchandising and Buying team, you will assist merchandise leaders in developing and executing compelling product assortments. Your analytical skills and keen eye for market trends will help identify opportunities and drive sales performance. You will be instrumental in managing product lifecycles, fostering crucial partnerships, and ensuring that product strategies are accurately implemented across all consumer touchpoints, directly impacting customer satisfaction and business growth.

**Responsibilities**

* Collaborate with merchandise leadership to define and execute the product strategy for your assigned department, ensuring alignment with financial targets and assortment objectives.

* Support the merchandise leader through the entire product lifecycle, from initial ideation and assortment planning to sample development for key categories.

* Conduct quarterly market trend analysis, competitive reviews, and identify new product opportunities to inform strategic decisions.

* Monitor business performance weekly, analyzing sales data to identify successes, areas for improvement, and potential risks, and communicate these insights effectively.

* Actively participate in all departmental and team meetings, including cross-functional and business review sessions, contributing valuable insights.

* Manage the range plan for your department, overseeing setup, coordination, and updates to ensure smooth product flow.

* Cultivate strong relationships with key external partners and vendors to enhance and diversify product assortments.

* Partner with various internal teams, including digital merchandising, marketing, production, visual, and customer service, to ensure seamless implementation of product strategies across all channels.

* Review and provide feedback on digital assets, product pages, and URLs to maintain accuracy and brand consistency.

* Work closely with digital merchandising teams to optimize product visibility and discovery.

* Oversee the e-commerce product handover process, preparing detailed product information, tracking and presenting samples, and attending fast-track meetings as needed.

* Develop and maintain comprehensive product guides and playbooks, aligning with product flow calendars and showcase deliverables to facilitate smooth handoffs to relevant creative and marketing teams.

* Monitor and communicate product quality reports in collaboration with global sourcing teams, contributing to agreed-upon action plans.

**Qualifications**

* Bachelor's degree with 2-3 years of related buying or merchandising experience.

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

* Proven presentation skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.

* Excellent organizational and project management abilities.

* A self-starter who is resourceful, innovative, and adaptable to change in a fast-paced environment.

* Demonstrated ability to balance multiple tasks and assignments effectively.

* Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.

* A collaborative team player capable of building strong working partnerships.

* Solid financial aptitude and business acumen.

* Proficiency in computer skills, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Keynote.

* Flexibility to work across multiple time zones as needed.

**Must-Have Skills**

* Exceptional proficiency in Excel.

* Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects independently.

* Excellent communication skills, strong follow-up abilities, and a proactive approach.

* Demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships and work collaboratively within a team.

**Nice-to-Have Skills**

* Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

**About Aquent Talent**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.