What are the responsibilities and job description for the Merchandising Assistant position at Akris?
Job Summary
As the merchandising assistant at Akris, this role will support the Head of Global Merchandising in the collection planning process. In addition, you will support the Director of US Retail in the buying process and
reporting/analytics for the domestic Akris retail stores.
Leadership
- Model behavior reflects company values.
- Promotes an environment that fosters ideas of others and supports ongoing collaboration to execute business strategies.
Buying
- Partner with Director of US Retail and boutique General Managers to create fashion and basic assortments that align with business metrics, also taking into consideration: brand image, trends, competitive opportunities, LY analysis, current performance by category and store capacities.
- Manage internal and external relationships with business partners to make sure all deliverables needed to successfully build and develop assortments that exceed financial goals.
- Drive the business through a broader understanding and vision of the business, market and industry.
- Understand and incorporate customer needs into strategic plans and future objectives.
- Serve as a primary contact for requests for information from all levels of management.
Merchandising
- Compile and analyze sales data across the global markets and business units.
- Support global HQ in building line plans utilizing sales analysis as a basis for future collections.
- Ensure that the retail pricing and promotional strategies maximize volume and margin goals.
Financial Acumen
- Partner with Director of Retail to set short term strategies and business direction to meet or exceed short term goals.
- Process, reconcile and evaluate complex financial information.
- Assess and respond to seasonal, yearly and strategic trends.
- Prepare and analyze data in support of the business.
- Utilize excel to recap reporting from Retail Pro and Shopify.
- Have a strong attention to detail.
Cross Functional Collaboration
- Support global merchandising function in HQ with reporting, analysis of data and procuring feedback from all regions and across wholesale and retail.
- Partner with Director of US Retail on the following processes: assortment planning, development of financial plans, OTB, and allocations to maximize inventory performance
- Work cross functionally with Boutique General Managers, Marketing, PR, Visual and Operations, in order to gain alignment behind strategic needs and priorities.
Education and Experience
- Undergraduate degree (business or fashion related degree a plus)
- 1-3 years of retail buying experience in a luxury driven environment.