What are the responsibilities and job description for the Merchant position at Claires Stores Inc?
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About the Role
The Merchant is responsible for creating and driving the merchandise strategy for a given department/class that meets or exceeds the financial goals for that respective area. The Merchant leads the team in delivering consistent results for key financial metrics and KPIs, such as sales and gross margin. This position collaborates closely with the Merchandise Manager and/or Director of Merchandising, as well as cross-functional partners to capture and align the needs of the seasonal line planning process for a given department/class.
Main Responsibilities
Develop robust seasonal merchandise assortment strategy, roadmap and assorted line for assigned area of responsibility within Global Merchandising that ties to financial plans and seasonal goals.
Provide analytical, creative, and managerial support to the Merchandise Manager/Director of Merchandising, partnering in day to day running of the department.
Analyze business and key KPIs weekly and seasonally; take ownership of levers (MD, promotions, chasing opportunity, mitigating risk) to drive the business partnering with leads to action accordingly.
Oversee training, execution and completion of Assistant Merchant and Associate Merchant tasks which include sample tracking and management, creation, preparation and maintenance of reports and recaps, purchase order creation and maintenance
Own seasonal hindsight, buys, style ranking, sku optimization and costing & pricing that ties to financial plans for areas of ownership; Create pre-season promotional strategies
Manage and oversee product tracking for department to ensure on time delivery. Analyze sales risk and elevate to upper management.
Maintain strong cross-functional relationships with Design, Product Development, Marketing, Planning, ISP and other merchandising partners to collaborate on seasonal buying process
Partner closely with ISP team to determine appropriate in-store product placements that align with overall product and promotional strategy
Expert in customer and global competition for department, understanding other retailers’ assortments, pricing and promotional strategies in comparison to Claire’s/Icing and incorporate relevant actions in seasonal product strategies
Create and facilitate an effective work environment by coaching, developing and mentoring team, developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, modeling teamwork, recognizing and maintaining open communication
Maintain all seasonal selling reports & records (recaps, style boards, line sheets) and distribute to cross-functional partners as needed to maintain clear communication across the organization
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, business, or related field
5-6 years merchandising or retail buying experience
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative environment
Strong analytical and problem solving skills, and solution oriented decision-making
Strong organizational, planning, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrate effective leadership skills, being able to run business and work autonomously
Sense of urgency with demonstrated success in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
Flexibility and the ability to prioritize multiple deliverables
Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting
Understanding of current trends and how they apply to the Claire’s/Icing customer
Excellent retail math skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Excel)
Competencies
DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Takes ownership and responsibility to achieve business results. Accurately translates strategy into execution. Sets clear expectations and achieves results through others.
LEARNING ORIENTED: Actively develops self and/or others using internal/external methods for growth. Finds ways for team members to leverage their strengths and understands what skills re needed to be successful.
ENERGIZE OTHERS: Proactively motivates and inspires others and positively challenges others to be their best. Engages team members by sharing ownership and effectively aligns work based on what motivates and inspires team members.
CHAMPION OF CHANGE: Embraces new ways of working, has continuous improvement mindset and inspires others.
DEVELOP ORGANIZATIONAL TALENT: Identify, attract and develop talent and creates organizational capability for current and future business needs.
Claire’s is committed to adhering to all applicable company policies and federal, state, and local laws and regulations. All positions will be compensated at or above the legally mandated minimum wage for the location in which work is performed. The final compensation will be determined by various factors such as relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.
Benefits for full-time employees included medical, dental, and vision insurance, voluntary welfare plans, bonus plan eligibility, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time* and paid leave.
Benefits for part-time employees included voluntary welfare plans, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time* and paid leave in required states.
*Sick Time: For the State of Washington, all employees will accrue paid sick time at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.
Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. To request accommodation, please email Benefits@claires.com. Only messages sent for this purpose will be considered.
Salary : $82,446 - $109,928
