Associate Merchandiser

Associate Merchandiser

Ann Taylor embodies and celebrates the spirit, heritage, and confidence of American women leading the lives they love. Since its beginnings, Ann Taylor has been committed to providing women with everything they need to feel inspired and motivated as they navigate their multifaceted lives. Our effortlessly polished styles are thoughtfully designed to go anywhere—from the office to special occasions (and everywhere in between). Discover a culture centered on empowering employees, with access to industry leaders and tools you need to expand your skills and stretch your abilities. We'll meet you at every milestone with opportunities and benefits to make life better in and outside of work (not to mention your closet). Ready to join us?

The Associate Merchandiser collaborates with the lead Merchandiser on the execution of departmental strategies and business objectives; is responsible for translating information and ideas that contribute to an actionable business plan; and supports the department with any necessary tactical responsibilities.

The impact you can have:

• Achieve/exceed financial plan by supporting the execution of departmental strategies and business objectives.
• Generate, analyze, and distribute weekly, monthly, and seasonal reports.
• Provide analysis of current business trends, recommend course of action, and leverage information to support the development of future departmental strategies.
• Manage daily Merchandising responsibilities, including accurately building, editing and maintaining assortment sheets; reconciling and updating receipts; maintaining sample accuracy and handoff; communicating necessary information to Cross-Functional team in a timely manner.
• Prepare all necessary documents and resources for major Product Lifecycle Meetings, including Hindsight, Investment Review, etc.
• Conduct research on appropriate fashion trends, price points and promotional opportunities; collect information from competitive set including pricing, style, and key messaging information; make recommendations based on competitive research.
• Recommend style ranking and attributes and chase/cancel strategies.
• Provide information and ideas to support development of seasonal strategies.
• Build relationships with Cross-Functional partners and participate as a solution-oriented team member, contributing to a high performing team.
• Partner with Planning to execute promotional and investment strategies to effectively manage sales, gross margin, and inventory.
• Partner with Sourcing team to exceed IMU goals and secure timely flow of delivery.
• Partner with Marketing to deliver accurate mailer and look book information; ensure marketed/mailer styles have appropriate investments.
• Partner with Site Merchandising team to ensure buying strategies are accurate for the ecommerce customer.

You'll bring to the role:

• 3+ years of related experience in Merchandising in Retail.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion or Merchandising, or equivalent.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities.
• Strong fashion sense, with a sense of brand and client needs.
• Broad-based business acumen with the potential to grow to the Merchant level.
• Ability to be an active listener and take direction.
• Excellent organizational ability to facilitate multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits:

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand's discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off – paid time off & holidays
• The target salary range for this role is: $66,000 - $70,000
• Hybrid: This position works in a hybrid model, with required days worked in the Ann Taylor office location in New York, NY as defined by business needs

Equal Employment Opportunity The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company's business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant's request for reasonable accommodation.