Offline - Merchandising Team Leader (Assistant Manager)

Overview As the full‑time Merchandising Team Leader, you are the Store Team Leader’s "go‑to" for developing and implementing the merchandising strategy for the store. You train and coach your team into great merchants who deliver AEO brand visual standards daily, ensuring floorset execution and merchandising/marketing brand standards are met. Your leadership keeps the store guest‑ready through effective replenishment while representing company values. Responsibilities You have a passion for driving sales: as a key Leader on Duty you maximize Fitting Room and sales‑floor productivity, build guest loyalty through a best‑in‑class guest experience, and contribute to the store’s financial success by analyzing reporting and daily trends to make strategic business decisions. You support the Store Team Leader in developing short‑ and long‑term plans to drive key KPIs. You are a merchandising innovator: you coach your team to deliver an outstanding guest experience and keep the store representative of AEO Brand Standards, leading day‑to‑day merchandising, sell‑through adjustments, and replenishment. You are a people leader: you motivate and inspire your team through AEO’s core values, model customer‑service standards on the sales floor and in the fitting room, and hold the team accountable to those standards. You have an eye for talent and a love of training: you prioritize recruiting and hiring strong talent, train and develop your team, and maintain a high level of service. Teamwork is essential: you provide ongoing performance feedback, conduct regular touch‑bases, development plans, and performance reviews, and drive associate engagement by celebrating outstanding performance. You innovate operationally: you execute and improve daily operational procedures, support visual standards throughout every zone, and keep fitting rooms guest‑ready and brand‑aligned. Integrity is paramount: you maintain store safety and asset protection standards, adhere to AEO policies and procedures, and always do the right thing. Qualifications You love AE and Aerie products. You have led retail teams in a management role. You can multi‑task, set priorities, and manage time efficiently. You understand employment law and can develop teams. You have strong business acumen. You offer flexible availability to meet guest‑shopping schedules. Benefits Work with REAL people—our AEO family offers a supportive environment. Opportunities for development and career advancement. 40% off product year‑round at AE & Aerie, plus seasonal discounts on new floorsets. Participation in store contests to win free merchandise and exclusive prizes. Pay and Benefits Information Actual starting pay is based on experience, location, and other factors. Eligible associates may receive health care benefits (medical, vision, dental), wellness benefits, 401(k) retirement benefits, life and disability insurance, employee stock purchase program, paid time off, paid sick leave, and parental leave. Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level, type, classification, location, and years of service. AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion. About Us OFFLINE™ by Aerie offers a complete collection of activewear and accessories made for real movement and real comfort. Built on the success of Aerie’s leggings and sports bras, OFFLINE™’s unique take on an active lifestyle celebrates real life—when some days you can take on the world and other days you need that extra push to get off the couch. Our Real Good promise extends to the OFFLINE™ collections with some of our best‑selling fleece, leggings and tees made with the planet in mind. AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law. Job Information Job Category: Stores Posting Date: 2026-07-06 Job Schedule: Full time Location: Grand Rapids, MI, United States #J-18808-Ljbffr