Merchandising Assistant

Merchandising Assistant

We are looking for a Merchandising Assistant for a top media & entertainment company out of their Kissimmee, FL location! Reporting to the Associate Manager or Manager, Merchandising, this individual will help support and take on responsibility for select elements of the merchandise strategy and vision for a complex, multi- subclass 3D product portfolio spanning Hardlines Category "X" products, supporting the Associate Manager and Manager in the day-to-day execution of category priorities. This role helps execute consumer-centric, trend-right, high-quality product assortments across all owned and operated channels translating franchise priorities and guest insights into category-defining product lines that balance play pattern innovation, collectability, core offerings and gifting.

Pay rate: $32.00-$33.33/hr based on experience

Responsibilities:

• This role is specific to Hardlines and requires some exposure to Hardlines product development and merchandising concepts.
• Assists with the daily implementation of the product strategy for Hardlines Category "X", under the direction of the Associate Manager
• Consumer obsessed, constantly balancing the art and the science of merchandising to find opportunities, elevate brand and delight our consumer
• Assist with the execution of targeted strategies across key consumer segments, including impulse and premium price tier development, limited edition offerings, and collectible mechanics
• Monitor the global competitive landscape and consumer zeitgeist to help flag opportunities for the team
• Assists with products developed in collaboration with the design teams to help capitalize on trends and support product innovation in category
• Assist with product strategies that define play pattern intent helping articulate how the consumer will interact with and derive ongoing value from the product and support packaging intent across formats
• Help gather and organize the product needs from all regions and channels to support development of one product brief to design ensuring needs of all businesses are met
• Help identify commonality in consumer, customer and market trends to minimize duplication /cannibalization; flag areas to reduce complexity and increase productivity.
• Help gather perspective on what's working and why to support continuous improvement of product line
• Supports Product Design and Sourcing partners in delivering seasonal product lines for vertical and wholesale business models that meet KPI business objectives including sustainability goals
• Assist with merchant-initiated product development under the direction of the Associate Manager, taking responsibility for it independent of the formal Product Design structure as needed helping prepare product briefs, flagging category gaps, and tracking concepts through commercialization in partnership with sourcing and manufacturing vendors
• Understand and support the worldwide segmentation at right price/value from value to premium
• Help execute opportunities to leverage products, co-brands and collaborations globally
• Track development counts and KPIs targets
• Assists with open-market and licensed line buying as needed, helping research vendor options to fill assortment gaps within Hardlines Category "X"
• Assists with brand collaborations and co-branded product programs within Hardlines Category "X", helping coordinate creative alignment activities
• Assists with product-focused events and activations that amplify the Hardlines Category "X" offering, helping coordinate logistics with marketing, operations, and creative teams
• Assists with self-sourcing initiatives by helping research and evaluate potential new supplier partners for Hardlines Category "X"
• Assists with tracking the product lifecycle for Hardlines Category "X", from concept through commercialization, helping monitor progress against financial targets and timelines

Collaboration/ Support

• Help support the category ambassador role across cross-functional teams bringing energy, curiosity, and growing product knowledge to go-to-market meetings and partner interactions
• Participate in conversations and activities with sourcing to help cost the line and support financial scenario tracking
• Participate in conversations with design and help track product line milestones and key meetings

Required Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of experience in Hardlines Merchandising
• Some exposure to Hardlines merchandising or product development, including a general awareness of manufacturing, regulatory and quality control considerations
• Exposure to supporting an omni-channel product line for a category or categories of business
• Experience working in highly matrixed and/or global product companies a plus
• Interest in and awareness of market trends and consumer zeitgeist
• Awareness of the Kidult consumer segment and how product or assortment strategies can balance traditional child-focused play value alongside premium, nostalgia-driven, and display-oriented product strategies that resonate with adult collectors
• Exposure to play pattern briefs and packaging intent concepts across Hardlines categories, with a general understanding of how packaging format decisions impact consumer perception and purchase behavior
• Detail-oriented with the ability to help track execution against a financial plan
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with a diverse audience, including some exposure to working with external partners and business owners in support of bringing product and assortments to market
• Strong Team Player The ability to build & foster collaborative partnerships across functions & departments
• Retail experience, including store, visual merchandising, retail operations, or product-related experience
• Interest in merchandising, consumer products, retail, or product strategy
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and calendar management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Positive attitude and solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to take initiative, learn quickly, and adapt to internal systems and processes
• Comfort working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment

Required Education:

• Associate's Degree or equivalent work experience

If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in this role, please apply today. The Solomon Page Distinction Solomon Page offers a comprehensive benefit program for hourly employees. We pride ourselves on offering medical, dental, 401(k), direct deposit and commuter benefits to our employees, including freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve.