Merchant

MerchantLocation: Reynoldsburg, OH OR Manhattan, NY Work Model: Hybrid Compensation: $66-71k per yearPosition OverviewThe Merchant supports the leadership team, in delivering the volume and growth expectations of a book of business, through comprehensive management of categories, understanding and applying their financial acumen. They are the subject matter expert in areas including, but not exclusive of, assortment content, SKU management, testing initiatives, competitive intelligence and customer intimacy. Possesses strong leadership skills as he/she is ultimately responsible for driving cross-functional communication and motivating the team to be customer focused, innovative, fast, and team-oriented in their work.What You Will Be DoingLeadership & StrategyPartners with leadership in driving the International brand businesses by connecting financial patterns and market insights to identify growth opportunities, while pioneering the new buy model.Contributes to the success of the category through adapting brand strategies in markets around the world while meeting or exceeding the financial goalsProvides recommendations and gains alignment from merchant leaders to influence work streams of cross-functional teams to support key initiativesDrives category business by "outside of the box" thinking that connects the lines between financial patterns and market/store insights to identify growth opportunities.Leads day-to-day communication between all members of the international team as well as the domestic teamActs as the category expert in key brand & cross-functional meetings, driving prioritization and distortionEntrepreneurial mindset in creating, evolving and perfecting new processes to enable international growthFinancialAccountable for sales and growth targets for book of business, recognizing opportunities for incremental growth and risk managementCollaborates across departments to build and cascade seasonal hind sights focusing on impact to forward strategy by leveraging and understanding historical data to ensure business is compared appropriately to last yearDrives category alignment and collaboration with planning partnersAnalyzes, interprets and reports financial results on a weekly basis to influence business strategyUnderstands product selling trends and historical data at the category level to manage in season and future opportunitiesActs as the expert of their category and understanding regional differences through market trends, analytical analysis and therefore making appropriate recommendations.ProductInfluences and executes decisions around assortment edits/distortions by marketMaximizes customer experience by driving execution of all sales education, marketing, and visual requests for the product category (pre-season and in-season)Understands customer intimacy and competitive environment; proactively seeking knowledge through exposure and travel to marketManages all assortment details, including International MAT tool maintenance, and cascading strategy changes to cross functional teamsSupports seasonal hind sighting process by compiling the regional customer insights to influence go-forward strategiesDrives the communication of product details to cross functional partnersSupports key meetings through deck preparation and completion of ad hoc requests, always staying agile and flexibleCollaboration, Communication and Partner SupportMaintains strong line of communication with field teams and directly partners with regional teams when applicable through business reviews, assortment strategy cascades, regional analysis, monthly TBs, etc.Builds productive relationships with US Brand merchants to facilitate exchange of information, share best practices, and stay abreast of assortment strategy updatesEstablishes and maintains strong partnerships with cross functional teams by building rapport and communicating effectivelyPossesses category/business knowledge to gain internal buy-inConsistently demonstrates open mindedness and free thinking when problem solvingRegularly share customer and floorset insights and business recommendations through store visits.TalentEffectively on-boards new cross-functional partnersMotivates the team to ensure effective performance and growth with consistent on-the-job feedback and trainingActs as a role model within the company by coaching and teaching team members to work together and remain focusedDemonstrates mentoring and strong leadership to the merchant team and cross functional partnersWhat's NeededBachelor's degree preferredBachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field5+ years with Brand Development and Merchandise BuyingMulti-category experience requiredStrong presentation and communication skillsDemonstrated ability to influence across different levelsProved strategic, analytical and creative thinking skillsDemonstrated passion for delivering results while maintaining flexibilityAnticipate next, ability to course correct and address changeIntimate understanding of brand and target customerAbility to adapt well to diverse audiences and environmentsProficiency in MS Office/Word/Excel/PowerPoint/OutlookCompensation & BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance · 401(k) · Other standard benefits as applicableAbout Unicon Unicon is a workforce solutions provider with over 35 years of experience supporting organizations across a variety of industries. We partner with our clients to deliver skilled professionals while maintaining a strong focus on quality, compliance, and long-term relationships. Unicon is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.