Job Description

Job Summary:

The Senior Merchant role is unique in that they work both well with the numbers side of merchandising, as well as in a creative capacity to design. This person should understand evolving industry demands, the apparel market as a whole and most notably the Michael Stars customer, exceeding their expectations through creating and maintaining the best product assortment. The numbers component requires fluency with metrics and data, creating proficiency in areas such as sell thru and margins. The creative side requires a partner to design who loves to shop stores and spend time in the retail market, embodying the contemporary customer who shops and buys Michael Stars. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with design and marketing to ensure the assortment is well-aligned with brand messaging from concept to color to achieve overall business strategy
• Partner with design to develop cohesive assortments; create new product opportunities that attract new customers as well as retaining current customers
• Responsible for achieving sales targets, managing open to buy, inventory, gross margin and net profits through product curation
• Develop and present weekly, monthly and seasonal line plans
• Analyze product performance weekly, identify key styles and products that will maximize sales
• Identifies industry trends and competitor activity
• Identifies business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information
• Track sales, inventory and outstanding orders on a daily basis; make adjustments as needed with goal of optimizing sales and minimizing markdowns
• Create and communicate selling results and trends reports to cross functional teams
• Ensure buying direction is on target based on comprehensive analysis of the business, (e.g., last year’s results, current trends, attribute selling, etc.)
• Communicate product strategies to ensure all cross functional teams are aware of ongoing launches/courses of action
• Manage seasonal carryovers by style, including all necessary categories/divisions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and partners to optimize product assortment, pricing, promotion, and distribution
• Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications and Other Requirements:

• Possesses a strong eye and voice effective in leading changes
• 5 to 7 years of Fashion Merchandising/Buying experience at a contemporary women’s apparel retailer/e-commerce business
• B.S. in Business Administration/Fashion Merchandising
• Advanced Excel skills mandatory: vlookups, sumifs, pivot tables, charts, and reference formulas
• Exhibit a professional communication style (both verbal and written) as shown through strong presentation skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks balancing the immediate and long-term needs of the business
• Excellent customer service, sales skills and a high sense of urgency
• Must be analytical and possess math skills specific to merchandise planning
• Able to lead in a fast paced, team-oriented environment
• Knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, Blue Cherry, Joor
• Maintain positive company morale
• Maintain composure and professionalism under pressure while meeting multiple and sometimes competing deadlines
• Collaborative, problem solver who leads by example
• Self-starter who can work independently, as well as collaboratively

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Equal Opportunity / Employment

Michael Stars is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline and termination. Whenever possible, the company provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by law.

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