POSITION TITLE: Merchandising Leader
REPORTS TO: Merchandising Team Leader
STATUS: Full Time or Part Time
SUPERVISES: n/a

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Merchandise Team Leader supports the Store Team Leader and is responsible in achieving sales goals, meeting merchandising brand standards and delivering operational excellence through effectively leading a high performing merchandising and stock team. The Merchandising Lead is expected to role model AEO values and AEO Customer First behaviors in all actions and interactions in order to create a positive Customer First experience.

ESSENITAL FUNCTIONS:
Put the customer first through Visual Merchandising by delivering flawless execution in Windows, Floorsets, Marketing and 5 Standards to drive Traffic and deliver our seasonal brand and product message.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Visual & Operational Execution

• Maintain 5 S standards on the sales floor, cash wrap and fitting room ensuring store environment is safe for employees and customers.
• Manage all visual directives, mapping and floorset are properly planned, scheduled and executed seamlessly within allotted timeframe.
• Generate and analyze merchandise reports and make necessary brand appropriate merchandising moves to maximize presentation and drive sales.
• Oversee and participate in the efficient and productive handling of all merchandise from shipment receipt and processing, floorsets, markdown optimization, Flex Fulfillment and replenishment systems while maintaining stockroom Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Oversees and ensures efficiency of all daily operational procedures.
• Executes all daily operational procedures and supports the management team to ensure the store audit compliance and shrink results meet company loss prevention standards.

Leadership

• Motivate and inspire the team by developing and delivering a compelling vision and purpose which encompasses American Eagle Outfitters

Core Values

• Act as the leader on duty and consistently models the brand customer service standards and Customer First selling behaviors.
• Hold the store team and self-accountable for achieving all brand, performance and behavior standards.
• Build effective relationships with associates, peers and supervisor to develop a high performing team and customer-centric culture
• Lead and participate in productive weekly leadership meetings that align with and drive the business strategy.
• Proactively seek personal learning and development opportunities to build leadership skill set and enhance individual performance
• Comply with all AEO Inc. Loss Prevention standards and provide a safe environment for associates and customers.
• Ensure all associates training and development initiatives are executed in a timely manner

Drive for Results

• Analyze reporting and daily sales trends to make real-time strategic business decisions to drive results.
• Lead the use of technology to enhance customer engagement and drive KPI results (BOSS, Store to Door, Social Media).
• Evaluate store sales and payroll goals on a daily basis using payroll reports and tools; make scheduling adjustments to meet business needs.
• Builds customer loyalty through in-store experience, utilization of social media and email capture.
• Support the Store Team Leader in the execution of the short and long term store business plans to drives KPI results and maximizes business opportunities to include CRM, Loyalty and technology.
• Effective use of technology to enhance customer engagement and drive KPI results (BOSS, Store to Door, Social Media)
• Contribute to the achievement of all store financial, revenue and expense targets.
• Builds customer loyalty through in-store experience, utilization of social media and email capture.

Talent Management

• Recruit, hire, develop and retain talent to ensure the store is sufficiently staffed to meet the needs of the business.
• Train, develop and coach the associate team; provide appropriate level of performance feedback to increase confidence and capability.
• Drive employee engagement by recognizing and rewarding employees for outstanding performance.
• Ensure that all associate team adheres to all employment practices and policies.
• Consistently assess and provide ongoing performance feedback through real-time coaching, scheduled touchbases, individual development planning and the performance review process.
• Manage compensation decisions in partnership with the Store Team Leader.
• Develops succession plans to ensure career paths for all associates; encourages associates to pursue internal opportunities.
• Recognize and properly resolve customer and performance issues; communicate high priority issues to the Store Team Leader and in a timely manner and collaborates to develop a plan for resolution to minimize risk.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age in order to meet after hours scheduling requirements.
• Minimum 1 year retail experience preferred; team leader experience preferred but not required.
• High school education or equivalent preferred.
• Available to work a flexible schedule to include early mornings, late evenings, holidays, weekends. Overnight shifts may also be required.
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within in a team.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while working in a fast‐paced and deadline‐oriented environment.
• Strong retail merchandising and visual skills preferred
• Ability to stand and move for extended periods of time with only short rest periods; bend, stretch, and carry visual props and merchandise.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions.
• Proficient with technology.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift between 15 and 50 pounds at times.
• Climbing ladders to re-stock and obtain merchandise and or step stool
• Ability to stand for long periods of time in a retail space
• Ability to continuously walk, frequently push/pull, occasionally bend/stoop/crawl/reach above shoulders/kneel

AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”)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.

Updated Feb 2021

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Experience level:

• 1 year
• 2 years

Shift:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Morning shift

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Woodbury, MN 55125: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person