Merchandiser

Merchandiser

Randa Apparel & Accessories is one of the world's leading fashion clothing and accessories companies, operating across 11 countries with a portfolio of 30+ iconic brands, including Haggar, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Totes, Isotoner, and Columbia Sportswear. With over 100 years of industry leadership, RAA continues to produce exceptional products and services, delighting customers and empowering partners worldwide. From the #1 dress pant brand in North America to the #1 belt and wallet, RAA sets the standard for excellence and innovation.

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary Range: $71,500 - $76,500

Schedule: Hybrid (3 days in-office / 2 days remote)

Position Summary: The Merchandiser is responsible for developing and executing the Gloves and Cold Weather Accessories product strategy within their area of responsibility (AOR), ensuring assortments align with brand objectives, consumer insights, market trends, and financial goals. This role leads the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept development and assortment architecture through commercialization and customer adoption, driving innovation and growth across upcoming seasons.

Partnering closely with Design, Sales, Product Development, Sourcing, and Planning teams, the Merchandiser translates consumer and customer needs into compelling product assortments that deliver both brand relevance and business results. The Merchandiser may support multiple brands and categories while providing leadership, direction, and day-to-day guidance to Assistant Merchandisers to ensure flawless execution of key milestones, deliverables, and seasonal initiatives.

This role requires a strategic, consumer-focused mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while championing product excellence and category growth.

Essential Job Functions

• Analyze Business Performance & Market Trends Analyze historical sales performance, consumer insights, customer feedback, and competitive market trends across the Gloves & Cold Weather Accessories category. Partner with Design to translate findings into actionable recommendations that inform seasonal product strategies, assortment decisions, and category growth opportunities.
• Drive Seasonal Line Development Partner closely with Design to develop seasonal assortments that align with brand positioning, customer needs, and financial objectives. Provide direction on product architecture, style opportunities, color trends, key item development, and category gaps to create compelling and commercially successful assortments.
• Lead Presentation & Line Review Preparation Drive readiness for key internal and external meetings by partnering with Sales and cross-functional teams to understand customer-specific needs and presentation objectives. Prepare product samples, assortment visuals, and supporting materials for market appointments, line reviews, account presentations, and trade shows.
• Manage Product Adoption & PLM Accuracy Oversee the product adoption process from line finalization through commercialization. Ensure accurate style creation and maintenance within PLM, facilitate handoff meetings with Product Development and Sourcing teams, and maintain complete and accurate product specifications, costing, and assortment information.
• Own Seasonal Calendar Execution Manage seasonal milestones, critical path timelines, and lead times to ensure all deliverables are completed on schedule. Coordinate cross-functional activities to support timely product development, customer presentations, sample readiness, and on-time market deliveries.
• Coordinate Supplier Communication Serve as the primary merchandising liaison with factory and supplier partners. Manage ongoing communication related to sample development, product specifications, costing updates, sourcing requirements, and adoption timelines to ensure alignment throughout the product lifecycle.
• Oversee Sample & Prototype Development Partner with factory teams to initiate sample requests and oversee prototype development for gloves, cold weather accessories, and related seasonal products. Review samples for design intent, construction quality, fit, functionality, material execution, and compliance with product specifications before approval.
• Manage End-to-End Sample Lifecycle Lead all sample management activities, including forecasting needs, submitting requests, tracking sample status, coordinating deliveries, organizing products for fittings and presentations, and maintaining accurate documentation throughout the development process. Ensure samples are available and presentation-ready to support internal reviews and customer meetings.
• Support Cross-Functional Business Initiatives Collaborate with Sales, Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Planning, and Operations teams to support category growth, customer initiatives, process improvements, and strategic business objectives. Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 35 years of experience in merchandising consumer products, design, or product development
  • Prior experience in accessories design
• Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of raw materials and finished goods manufacturing processes
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Experience with Adobe Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop) a plus
  • Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems or similar tools
• Leadership & Communication
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience and/or proven leadership skills
  • Excellent presentation skills for internal and external stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and creative communication skills
• Additional Requirements
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 2530%; prior overseas travel experience is a plus
  • Ability to receive, lift, open, and unpack product sample boxes, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and multi-tasking abilities
  • Customer-focused and results-driven mindset

What we Offer:

• Competitive base salary.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Three weeks of paid time off within the first year of employment.
• Company provided life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and paid parental leave.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance options with low employee contributions.
• Commuter benefit plan.
• Optional supplemental life insurance, pet insurance, and accident & critical illness insurance offered at a group discount rate.
• 401(k).
• Unlimited access to our award-winning online fitness, and wellness program.
• A great place to work, fast-paced, with terrific career growth

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Randa management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.