**LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY**

Who We Are

For over 40 years, the UNIONBAY label has been synonymous with quality and industry-leading design. Our success is founded on the excellence of our employees. You will be part of a dynamic, creative, forward thinking, cohesive team; working together to succeed in the constantly changing and challenging fun fashion industry.

Summary 

As the Associate Merchandiser, you will manage the production cycle and initial gross margin for a product category in the UNIONBAY Youngmen’s and Union divisions.

Essential Job Functions

• Plan production capacity and production calendars. Work with VP, Design, Merch Mgr and Sales to allocate production by fabric and style. Place purchases in relation to sales, minimizing inventory and keeping to planned deliveries and gross margin.
• Oversee and manage on-time delivery for season contracts. Resolve production issues as required. Elevate high level production issues to management.
• Set up and review costing. Negotiate as needed. Maintain initial gross margin.
• Oversee and manage Jesta system information. 
• Maintain and address corporate quality control standards. Review receipts and follow up on any claims.
• Prepare for each new season’s sales meetings and market releases. Manage the costing, computer set-up, and linesheets for accuracy.
• Coordinate with Customer Service, agents, and warehouse on all customer compliance and other special customer needs.
• Participate in fabric and line development. Provide and maintain costing and fabric details. Keep sample line list updated.
• Monitor and control product availability.
• Shop retail and recap competitor’s pricing. Understand current market trends.
• Travel to international & domestic markets as needed.
• Participate in design fittings to ensure corrections reflect what is being sold.
• Communicate with Sales regarding property marks, deliveries, special needs and handling, and line updates.
• Monitor on-time Sales, Advertising and Customer samples. Track and Manage sample completion schedule, and sample expense budget, and issue sample expense PO’s as needed.
• Create an end-of-season recap that aids in the next season’s planning to include monitoring retail sell thrus.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Fashion Design, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years experience in production planning and/or buying in the apparel industry.
• Proven ability to manage profitable production and gross margins.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel, PLM systems).
• Ability to work well independently and make sound business decisions.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills. 
• Ability to analyze and prioritize critical information, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Unionbay Sportswear is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.