Merchant

Merchant PositionThe Merchant is responsible for developing and executing category-level strategies that support the broader department and brand objectives. This role manages the day-to-day performance of the category, translating department direction into strong assortments that drive sales and profitability. Responsibilities include analyzing market trends, building and managing assortments, optimizing pricing and promotions, and partnering closely with cross-functional teams to deliver against financial and product goals. The Merchant ensures the category meets or exceeds sales and profit targets while contributing insights that inform broader merchandising strategies. The role requires strong market awareness, analytical skills, and effective cross-functional collaboration.At Duluth Trading Company, we value face-to-face interactions that foster our culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at our headquarters near Madison, WI. You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Fridays if you prefer.What You'll Do:Accountable for profitable sales and healthy business metricsDirectly responsible for the selection of merchandise and assortment planning, by channelDrive color counts, color rank, sales, and assortment recommendations, by channelCollaborate with the Senior Merchant on the season's strategy and buy of the assortment, owning color counts, color rank, sales, and assortment recommendationsAnalyze business performance on a weekly basis, presenting results to leadership and cross-functional partnersEnsure assortment and sales plan aligns with merchandising strategies and will achieve planned category growthSet up and maintain assortment planning tools, including styles, colors, and product flowResponsible for catalog proofing and catalog merchandising for own categoryAct as key partner in milestone meetings, supporting category initiatives and presenting on businessAccountable for full understanding and support of planning and inventory strategyAlways have clear understanding of the competition and drive decisions to fill assortment white spacePresent in quarterly hindsighting of business, clearly articulating what worked vs. what didn't and growth opportunitiesPartner with planning on reviewing future season sales plans, as well as future season planningDrive pre-season road mapping, strategy and business needsReview and align to planning's in season suggestions at read and react, OTB meetingsReview and align to planning's buy strategy suggestionsPartner with design team to evolve proven products and introduce new ideas to drive a new customerInitiate and perform additional ad hoc analytical assignments as requiredInitiate pre-season sales projectionsResponsible for determining competitors that relate to your category of business for your teamKnowledge of an ability to load systems when support is neededBe accountable for team category-level roll up documentationManage cost updates, MSRP, markdown information, assortment add/dropsUnderstand and articulate reasons for IMU shifts, complying to SOX standardsProvide category markdown recommendations and manage weekly documentation in systems, complying to SOX standardsApprove final costing and IMU for categories of ownershipSteer markdown recommendations from team, adjusting where necessaryLead, motivate, and develop a direct reportManage 1-2 direct reports and focus on building leadership and management skillsLead collaborative cross-functional partnershipsUnderstand and be curious about the customerSchedule meetings and follow up for the teamBring and prepare appropriate documents for prep and milestone meetingsParticipate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.Adopt organization's values in personal work behaviors, decision making, contributions and interpersonal interactions.Contribute to a positive work environment by demonstrating cultural expectations and influencing others to reward performanceWhat We're Looking For:Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Merchandising, Business, or related fieldEquivalent work experience will be considered5+ years of experience1+ years of Management experienceProficient computer skills including Microsoft Office & Google WorkspaceClear understanding of the competition and drive decisions to fill assortment white spaceAbility to articulate current state of the business, as well as future season planningAbility to present to Senior, VP, and Executive level managementExcellent attention to detail and accuracy across all business-critical dataStrong presentation, interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to effectively time manage high workloadPassion and eye for productExperience leading an omnichannel retail level Assortment Planning programProven ability to work cross-functionally with multiple business unitsProven experience with market buys?, both hard and soft-lines and managing external vendor relationships is highly preferred.The ability to ?identify brand-right products from external market vendors and assess what feels both authentic to Duluth and unique to the market.A "great eye" for product storytelling? within retail and on-line?The ability to quickly absorb the brand aesthetic and market positioning.Previous experience within the footwear category is a significant plus.??Proven results in a fast-paced test and learn environmentA product-centric, highly curious strategic driverAuthorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.Leadership Competencies:Leading Self:Inspiring TrustAdaptabilityMature ConfidenceCareer and Self DevelopmentLeading Others:Driving ExecutionBuilding Organizational RelationshipsEmpowering OthersFostering Open DialogueAttracting & Developing TalentLeadership VersatilityPhysical Environment & Travel Expectations:Sitting is required for 90% of working hours.Standing is required for 10% of working hours.Continuous arm, hand, and wrist movement (ie: typing)Occasional reaching, twisting, and bending.Noise level no greater than casual conversation.Ability to perform work in cubicle workstations or an office setting.Work in temperatures ranging from 65 - 75 degrees.Light domestic travel, to tradeshows, store and competitive visitsDuluth Headquarters Benefits and Perks:Multiple Medical plan optionsDental & Vision plansMedical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending AccountsHealth Savings Account including company contributionsCompany paid Life Insurance and AD&DCompany paid Short-Term DisabilityOther various voluntary benefits including: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Long-Term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance401(k) Employer MatchParental LeavePaid holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas DayPaid Time Off: take it as you need it policy for exempt employeesDaily pay available40% Employee DiscountFlexible FridaysOnsite fitness centerPosition Compensation Outline:Compensation Range: $84,000 to $105,000/yearThis position is eligible to participate in the company bonus program.Compensation listed is for the full-time position at this specific location and is based on several factors, including experience, and qualifications. Benefits and perks may have eligibility requirements and are subject to change.#LIONSITEThe responsibilities outlined in this position description are a guideline for the general duties of the position and are not exhaustive of all