Junior Merchant

Company Description UNCAS International, founded in 1911, is a third-generation leader in the jewelry and accessories industry. The company is known for delivering products and services that exceed customer expectations in innovation, quality, and value. Fashion jewelry and accessories are its core focus, and the business has successfully expanded into multiple gifting categories since 2014. UNCAS combines strong retail and merchandising experience with creative design, offering cost-effective luxury that helps customers grow their businesses. From concept to shelf, the team partners closely with customers to help their businesses realize their full potential.

Location: West Warwick, RI

Job Type: Full-time (in office)

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Salary: $50,000–$55,000 annually

Benefits

• Medical Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
• Dental Insurance (Delta Dental)
• Vision Insurance (VSP)
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability
• Company-paid Long-Term Disability
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Company-paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Company-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) to help offset eligible medical deductible expenses
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Paid Weekly (Thursdays)
• Three (3) weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) per calendar year (prorated for new hires during their first year)
• Paid Holidays

POSITION SUMMARY

Uncas International is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Merchant to support the development and execution of merchandising strategies throughout the entire product lifecycle. This role partners closely with Sales, Product Development, Design, Graphics, and overseas teams to bring innovative products to market while meeting customer expectations, timelines, and profitability goals.

If you have a passion for retail merchandising, product development, and identifying emerging trends, we'd love to hear from you.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Meet regularly with Sales/Planning teams to understand the sales numbers by month. Plan far enough in advance to develop needed products overseas (think ahead to holidays, seasonal product, basic updates)
• Design handoff – preparing the plan so that Design can execute in a timely manner. Handoff includes photos/samples for inspiration, color pallet, look/feel of group or item, sku count by category, retail/target costs, and timeline
• Graphics handoff – provide all information regarding trend boards, headers, PDQ’s/easels/packaging, renderings, plan-o-grams needed to complete your presentation – provide timeline.
• Cost cards – communicating to the Product Coordinator the items to be sent for costing, giving target prices, reviewing cost card for accuracy
• The Junior Merchant is responsible for overall gross margin for their account/accounts.
• Retains – Junior Merchant is responsible for ensuring every item has an O/S to send to our Asia office as well as one to keep in-house.
• Approval of all pre-production samples – comments must be made in a timely manner.
• Constant search for trends utilizing trend services (WGSN), WWD, magazines, internet, store shopping, etc.
• Review sales reports weekly for all corporate accounts to determine best sellers and poor performers.
• Peruse other merchant presentations to compile trend direction and styling that can be interpreted and duplicated based on target customer
• Store shopping for new items, new materials/components, new product categories, new packaging, new merchandising ideas, new POP displays.
• Comparison shopping to understand your accounts’ sales floor and to understand their competitions’ sales floor.
• Understand the Product Development timeline and begin development well in advance to ensure product arrives in time for its intended presentation.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• 1-3 years' experience in retail merchandising or related field for a progressive fashion brand or retailer
• Ability to work on various projects concurrently
• Excellent follow-through and time management skills
• AA/BA degree in related field
• Analytical with strong attention to detail
• Proficient in all Microsoft applications. Photoshop & Illustrator a plus
• Ability to multi-task while working in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
• Outstanding verbal & written communication skills
• Professional demeanor and ability to work with a variety of individuals and personalities.
• Able to take directions
• Self-starter, self-motivated and team player a must
• Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

Uncas International LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.