Associate Merchant Location Hybrid remote in Kansas City, MO : Associate Merchant - Dan Dee International We are a growing kids lifestyle brand and children's product company offering employees the opportunity to design and deliver products that matter. Our creative and energetic team is passionate about creating products and brands that consumers love.
The Associate Merchant will assist in the overall business performance of defined category or seasons and develop key relationships with both internal and external stakeholders - will partner with the Senior Merchant Vice President of Merchandising. This role will support the execution of product line business plans and meet company and seasonal financial goals. The Associate Merchant will be responsible for meeting sales and margin goals for a season, calendar adherence, and overall ownership of assigned seasons. The Associate Merchant is someone with a strong desire to grow and contribute knowledge and skills in the industry and who enjoys team collaboration. While focusing on internal execution, the Associate Merchant must be knowledgeable and have good awareness at the retailer and consumer level. They will partner with Senior Merchants to develop a product line that represents the brand and is aligned with the merchandise strategy for each delivery. The Associate Merchant will be responsible for their own seasonal category. They will demonstrate a high energy level and be a self-starter and a team player.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Utilize the Merchant Process to ensure all cross-functional partners and leadership team are aligned to the seasonal model line being produced.
Work with internal and teams for product concepts, branding and create various product and seasonal line assortments that meet the overall business goals, product strategy and profitability
Facilitate seasonal meetings with the team to ensure key milestone deliverables are met ? Support Senior Merchant/Merchant with out of season - urgent requests/opportunities from sales team - building presentations and other tasks as assigned
Understands the competitive marketplace product and trends - has a pulse on where the market is moving - outlines formats, colors, materials, and fabrics- compiles and communicates findings and opportunities
Directly involved in all aspects of product development from initial concept, sampling through sourcing, price negotiations and execution to meet TNA and deadlines
Develops model line summaries that enable the cross-functional team to fully understand consumer/customer needs and deliverables and associated tactical plans that provide direction to cross-functional partners on "how" to execute strategy
Accountable for the model line assortment, ensures BOM accuracy on all materials/specifications, and GM's and growing the category/season
Presentation of formats & creative direction for product-to-product Core, Fashion, Trend - as well as SKU rankings - will partner with Assortment Planner to ensure balance amongst the line
Fabric optimization - ensures that core fabrics are used across not only the seasonal line, but also the entire brand portfolio -
SKU Rationalization - reduction of the long tail SKU's that are not generating enough GM - or hitting MOQ's - will be responsible for creating new SKUs that hit the GM's and MOQ's - Presents and communicates the seasonal product lines or category to internal management, stakeholders, as well as retailers.
Accountable for the model line assortment, ensures BOM accuracy on all materials/specifications, and GM's and growing the category/season - Presentation of formats & creative direction for product-to-product Core, Fashion, Trend - as well as SKU rankings - will partner with Assortment Planner to ensure balance amongst the line - Fabric optimization - ensures that core fabrics are used across not only the seasonal line, but also the entire brand portfolio - Sku Rationalization - reduction of the long tail SKU's that are not generating enough GM - or hitting MOQ's - will be responsible for creating new SKUs that hit the GM's and MOQ's - Presents and communicates the seasonal product lines or category to internal management, stakeholders, as well as retailers. - Works and communicates on daily basis directly with overseas vendors through product development, pricing, sample approval and production process. - Drives strategic buy decisions and business performance of defined merchandise category with partnership with the Director of Merchandising - Manages in-season business by analyzing sales and improving margins - Works with internal planning, operations and logistics teams for PO issuing, production status, to order placement - ensures the Timing and Action (TNA) is being used between US and HK merchants - This role will require domestic and international travel
Dan Dee International, along with its subsidiary, Animal Adventure, is an equal opportunity employer and we pride ourselves on hiring and developing the best people. All employment decisions (including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, transfer, training, discipline and termination) are based on the applicant's or employee's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under the consideration. These decisions are made without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally-recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
Health insurance Schedule:
8 hour shift Education:
Bachelor's (Required) Experience:
Consumer Goods: 2 years (Required) Merchandising: 2 years (Required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kansas City, MO 64108
