Category Merchandiser [AQ-23294]

We are seeking an exceptional Merchandiser focused on Kids Apparel. In this pivotal role, you will not just manage products; you will shape the future of offerings for a key consumer segment, blending art and science to create compelling assortments. Your strategic insights and collaborative spirit will directly influence product lifecycles from concept to marketplace, making a tangible impact on brand success and consumer engagement. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage your expertise in a fast-paced, evolving environment, driving innovation and growth.

What You Will Do

• Build consumer-centric assortment plans, integrating both data-driven insights and intuitive market understanding.
• Lead seasonal reviews and assortment building, collaborating closely with marketplace account-focused merchants.
• Manage multi-season product lifecycles, contributing insights that shape future season plans and drive adoption across central merchandising teams.
• Deeply manage assortment planning during seasonal processes, gathering critical consumer trends and marketplace insights.
• Actively balance interactions and address the business needs of regional merchandising teams.
• Partner with Demand Planning and Product & Design teams to bring business strategies to life.
• Cultivate strong relationships within the Kids merchandising team, enabling a cohesive and impactful assortment strategy.
• Continuously manage and maintain seasonal tools and assortments, alongside long-term strategic line planning that empowers regional execution.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with cross-functional teammates to ensure seamless collaboration.
• Drive clear, concise, and influential communication across all levels of engagement.
  
  

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher, or a combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
• 4 years of experience in Apparel or relevant consumer product merchandising, product creation, and/or retail in a vertical, multi-brand, or digital environment.
• Strong command of common retail and/or digital metrics such as sell-through, margin, full-price realization, and weeks of supply.
• Proven ability to translate consumer, sales, trend, and marketplace insights into effective in-season and long-term strategies.
• Experience preparing seasonal tools to equip marketplace partners with a clear understanding of seasonal priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong working relationships with teammates and cross-functional partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong emphasis on influencing abilities within a cross-functional matrix.
• Self-sufficiency and critical thinking skills.
• A collaborative and positive team player, eager to learn and contribute.
• Attention to detail, understanding the importance of consistency.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to balance “art and science” in merchandising decisions, with an aesthetic design point of view.
• Fashion industry knowledge is preferred.
• Experience in retail and/or regional merchandising.
• An optimistic, curious, style-oriented, analytic, and trend-savvy mindset.
• A deep awareness and understanding of the consumer and the marketplace’s ever-changing dynamics.
• Strategic visioning and consumer expertise.
• Ability to work autonomously, be agile, and be solution-oriented.
  
  

Client Description

Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.