Merchandising Operations Associate - (Hybrid - Manchester, CT)

The Merchandising Operations Associate role offers a unique opportunity to learn how merchandise decisions are made—from product development and assortment planning to pricing and vendor partnerships. As an entry point into our Merchandising organization, this role provides hands-on exposure to the buying process while building the foundation for future growth into Buyer. This hybrid position is based in Manchester, CT, with 2–3 days per week in the office and the remainder working remotely. Launch Your Merchandising Career at Bob's Merchandising sits at the intersection of business, analytics, marketing, and product development. It's where data meets creativity—where great product and value become great business and where we help people turn the place they live into the home that they love. Whether your background is in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, Analytics, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field, this role provides a unique opportunity to learn how products are selected, priced, marketed, and brought to life for millions of customers. As a Merchandising Operations Associate, you'll work directly with Buyers and gain hands-on exposure to assortment planning, product development, vendor partnerships, retail analytics, and merchandise strategy. This role is designed as a foundational step toward a long-term career in Merchandising, with opportunities to grow into Buyer and other merchandising leadership positions. What You’ll Bring to Bob’s At Bob’s Discount Furniture, we value the unique skills and experiences that each candidate brings. Success in this role is driven by a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, behavioral and organizational skills, and customer focus. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy leveraging your skills to make an impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you! Key Skills for Success To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate strengths in the following skill areas: Core Competencies & Expertise Data Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate assortment plans; compile reports and perform analysis. Merchandise Analysis & Insights: Analyze sales trends, assortment performance, and product data to support buying decisions and business strategies. Merchandising Coordination: Execute SKU creation, sample coordination, vendor agreements, swatch and support material distribution to stores, and merchandise announcements. Identify opportunities to improve merchandising processes and support operational efficiency initiatives. Cross-Functional Communication: Act as liaison across multiple departments and vendors. Product Lifecycle Management: Track new goods and discontinued items; support buyers with product style-outs and sample tracking. Buyer Partnership: Work directly with Buyers to support assortment planning, product launches, style-outs, pricing initiatives, and vendor communications. Preferred Competencies & Skills Strong interest in merchandising, retail buying, category management, or product development Demonstrated analytical aptitude and curiosity for consumer trends and business performance Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent verbal and written communication Highly organized with the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines Ability to work independently and collaboratively High attention to detail What You'll Learn Merchandise Buying Fundamentals Assortment Planning, Product Lifecycle Management Vendor & Supplier Relations Retail Analytics & Reporting Cross-Functional Business Operations Omni-Channel Retail Merchandising Who We Are At Bob’s, we have fun, we love what we do, and we’re growing fast! As one of the leading omni-channel furniture retailers in the country with over 200 stores, we’re committed to creating a workplace that values skills-based hiring, diverse perspectives, and an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. How We Will Support Your Success We know you have many choices when it comes to your career. At Bob’s, we invest in your growth, well-being, and career advancement. Benefits & Perks Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick leave, holidays, and your birthday! 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with a generous company match Pet Insurance and employer-paid Life Insurance options Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, on-demand learning, and career progression pathways Employee Discount starting on Day 1, plus exclusive partner discounts And so much more! Our Culture & Core Values At Bob’s, we believe in fostering a positive, inclusive, and skill-driven work environment. Our core values—Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, Community, Safety, Diversity, Accountability, and Fun—guide everything we do. We’re not just a workplace; we’re a team that supports and celebrates each other! Minimum Qualifications Experience with Microsoft Office Suite Strong communication and organizational skills Ability to work independently and cross-functionally High attention to detail Preferred Qualifications Associate's or Bachelor’s degree Retail or analytical training or experience Physical Demands Standard office and merchandise environment. Ability to manage samples and occasionally lift light items required. Diversity is a Core Value at Bob’s At Bob’s Discount Furniture, we want you to feel at home. Whether you’re shopping with us or a part of Bob’s team, we want you to know that you are valued, appreciated, and free to be who you are. We are committed to creating a place as diverse as the communities we serve. It is the policy of Bob’s Discount Furniture, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. No person shall be discriminated against or harassed because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local law. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of Expected Base Pay Not Including Potential Commissions, Incentive, Bonus, etc. Opportunities: $50,000 - $55,000 It is policy of Bob’s Discount Furniture, Inc., to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No person shall be discriminated against or harassed because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state or local law. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. Bob's Discount Furniture is an everyday value-priced furniture and bedding retailer expanding rapidly across the nation in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and West Coast regions. No matter what you spend – whether $20 or $20,000, one standard applies to everyone. The company was founded in 1991 on the principle of providing unsurpassed values in the middle price range. Honesty and integrity are the hallmarks of the "Bob's Way" of doing business - a philosophy that applies to customer, co-worker, vendor and community relations. Bob’s truly values the contributions of every associate; therefore, along with opportunities for career growth we offer training, competitive compensation, outstanding benefits and a professional, fun, fast paced work environment. Our continued success has created exciting opportunities for our associates to enjoy truly rewarding careers. Our mission is to make quality and appealing furniture attainable for everyone and to bring integrity, transparency, and a little FUN to the furniture business. At Bob’s Discount Furniture, we have fun, we love what we do, and it shows in our expansive growth!