Assistant Merchant

Assistant Merchant

At Bath & Body Works, everyone belongs. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging focused on delivering exceptional fragrances and experiences to our customers. We focus on recruiting, retaining, and advancing top talent. In addition, we work to improve our communities and our planet to help the world live more fully. Summary: The Assistant Merchant is responsible for supporting the execution of the creative product development, maintaining seasonal line plans, implementing testing strategies and cascading information to cross-functional teams for specific categories. They will assist in the delivery of sales and profit growth by helping manage the commercialization of new product launches, analyzing consumer insights to support key brand priorities and/or initiatives and supporting in-store product launches.

Responsibilities:

• Assist Senior/Merchant on growth-driving brand strategy and planning, including new product development, pricing, promotions / sampling, internal associate education and training, competitive patterning, performance analysis and hind-sighting
• Assist the creation of internal presentations to executives and cross-functional teams, from concept brainstorming to drafting documents to preparing meeting materials
• Responsible for accurately coordinating new development projects, including process paperwork (e.g. Project Initiation Forms, Design Requests, Product Briefs for all products, sampling and gift sets), Costing Analysis and running communication flow to cross-functional team members
• Support alignment on product description, claims, and aesthetics
• Collaborate with Commercialization Services to monitor timelines, anticipate / communicate issues and drive deliverable dates on time
• Supports the Merchant in developing a line plan that represents the Brand and is aligned with the seasonal merchandise strategy
• Analyze data in weekly business meetings to share result driving insights, customer feedback, and in-store merchandising opportunities
• Assist in meeting preparation, sample management, report evaluation and analysis. Assistant merchants are expected to share their POV and recommendations based on current results and category strategy
• Research the competition: understanding other retailer's assortment, pricing and promotional strategy
• Visit stores regularly to proactively solicit feedback from customers and sales associates

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of related work experience in brand development, merchandise buying and/or retail management
• An eye for business with analytical and retail math skills
• Demonstrate a passion for product and customer satisfaction
• Be a self-starter and work independently producing accurate work
• Ability to influence and lead through challenges, problem-solve and build a cohesive team
• Exceptional ability to enhance cooperative working relationships
• Able to multi-task and prioritize with a strong sense of urgency and ability to handle the stress that comes with working in a change-agile work environment
• Systems and computer proficiency (MS Office-Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Years of professional experience, etc.
• Education Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience

Core Competencies:

• Lead with Curiosity & Humility
• Build High Performing Teams for Today & Tomorrow
• Influence & Inspire with Vision & Purpose
• Observe, Engage & Connect
• Strive to Achieve Operational Excellence
• Deliver Business Results

Benefits:

Bath & Body Works associates are the heart of our business. That's why we're proud to offer benefits that empower you to Dream Bigger & Live Brighter. Benefits for eligible associates include: Robust medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage. Plus, access to our onsite wellness center and pharmacy located at the Columbus, OH home office. 401k with company match and Associate Stock Purchase with discount No-cost mental health and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Opportunity for paid time off and paid parental leave. Plus, access to family and lifestyle programs including a family building benefit, childcare discounts, and home, auto and pet insurance. Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education programs 40% merchandise discount and gratis that encourages you to come back to your senses! Visit bbwbenefits.com for more details.