Responsible for achieving brand and financial objectives for all categories and channels using optimal assortment planning and strategy. Serve as a key partner with Design, Sourcing, Planning, Sales, and Marketing in developing market insights which will help shape product design, assortment planning, pricing, and distribution channels of Pura Vida product. This position is based out of the Pura Vida Headquarters in La Jolla, California. (Hybrid schedule: reporting to office Tuesday - Thursday and working remotely on Monday and Friday.) ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Note: Other duties may be assigned) To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Build category seasonal assortment plan using financial plans/budgets, design concepts, sales trends, inventory plans, marketing input, and competitive/industry research/trends Partner with Sales and Planning to build seasonal assortments by channel to ensure target revenue goals are met Determine pricing (MSRP and wholesale prices) and work cross functionally to achieve target margins Drive planning process for season to ensure deadlines and goals are met; responsible for timely, productive meetings from initial planning to post season assessment As category assumptions change, impacting revenue plans, facilitate the contingency planning process for identifying alternative paths to attain original goals Maintain an active knowledge of all information necessary for a successful product innovation process, including knowledge based on competitive and trend shopping, trend shows and seminars and market research activities Provide as needed, ad hoc category analysis to support special projects and initiatives Work cross functionally to gather customer data to drive merchandising decisions Represent Merchandising Department in development of company-wide reports, process improvements, and other projects as needed EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE High school graduate. Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, retail, marketing, business or related experience 6 to 8 years merchandise planning and buying experience; preferably in the fashion industry Experience within upscale gift, apparel/fashion accessory preferred High level experience understanding of retail buying and/or sales KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Proven project management skills Strong PC skills utilizing Microsoft Office software Analytical and detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously Excellent organization and follow through skills Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation skills Ability to build and maintain good rapport with internal and external customers and handle situations with confidence, tact and resourcefulness Flexible, adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast paced office environment Strong team player ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office environment. Utilizing an office desk – sitting, reading, listening, or speaking with the ability to move intermittently throughout the day Strong sensory skills, such as good eyesight, good hearing, and dexterity Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones STARTING SALARY RANGE: $155,000 - $175,000 Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled Pura Vida provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. For more information, please click the following links: Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Policy Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (in English) Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (in Spanish) Pay Transparency (in English) Pay Transparency (in Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster Right to Work Poster (English) Right to Work Poster (Spanish) California Privacy Notice If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment application process, please send an e-mail to applicationassistance@VeraBradley.com. Please include the accommodation you are requesting and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation and other EEO/Affirmative Action issues will be responded to from this e-mail address. Our intention is to fill this opening within 30 days of the original posting date and applications will be accepted on an on-going basis until the position is filled. In the summer of 2010, a college graduation trip to Costa Rica turned into a life-changing business venture for two Southern California friends, Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman. Griffin and Paul crossed paths with two bracelet artisans, who’s colorful handmade bracelets captured the essence of their journey. Hoping to help the artisans—who were living in poverty—the friends bought 400 bracelets to take back home to San Diego, placing them in a local boutique and selling out in a matter of days. Before long, they realized that these bracelets were more than just simple string designs. They were a movement symbolizing the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Translating to “pure life” in Spanish, this philosophy is all about appreciating life’s simple pleasures—about slowing things down and living life to the fullest. Every Pura Vida product is carefully handcrafted by artisans in Costa Rica, El Salvador, India and more. The bracelets, accessories and other lifestyle products are worn by millions of people all over the globe, providing full-time jobs to more than 800 artisans. At Pura Vida Bracelets, we dream to do more, and it’s our mission to give back in everything we do. That’s why we created our Charity Collection, which has donated nearly $2 million to incredible causes our customers care about. We make it our mission to treat our artisan partners and employees like family, offering amazing benefits, competitive pay, a collaborative work environment and other cool perks. We welcome all, embrace inclusion and celebrate diversity. We believe it is our individual uniqueness that makes our community so incredibly vibrant.