What are the responsibilities and job description for the Merchant position at J. Jill?
The J.Jill Merchant team is responsible for developing and executing a customer-focused assortment that supports the brand concept and meets the company's financial goals for all channels. You will partner with Design in developing the line plan, edit and assort the line, and partner with Merchandise Planning to deliver business strategy objectives. You'll communicate merchandise strategies to all cross-functional partners and drive the business through in-season management, assessment, and reaction to current trends.
Responsibilities:
- Creates merchandise framework to guide product line development to meet financial targets. Edits and adopts the line to meet strategic business needs by segment.
- Partners with Merchandise Planning on development of strategies that support business objectives. Ranks product and assigns quantities in collaboration with Merchandise Planning.
- Establishes retail pricing and mark-up targets to meet financial goals. Ensures price-value relationship is in line with customer expectations.
- Develops seasonal hindsights, interprets results, and synthesizes learnings into actionable business strategies.
- Contributes in-season reaction to the business through daily analysis of sales data and interpretation of results.
- Partners with Visual and Creative Merchandising teams to ensure proper presentation and space allocation of product to drive financial results.
- Maintains competitive awareness and analysis with relevant recommendations.
- Collects and interprets customer feedback from frequent J. Jill store visits, communication with field team, and analysis of online reviews. Shares insights with product partners and aligns team on necessary next steps.
- Uses J.Jill brand filter in all decision making.
- Hires, trains, reviews and supervises staff.
Benefits, Tailored for You.
- Bonus eligible and flexible hybrid work arrangements.
- 401(k) retirement plan with discretionary match and tuition reimbursement.
- Medical, dental, vision, company paid LTD/STD, and generous amount of paid time off.
- Office includes amenities such as a café, fitness center, free parking and Red Line shuttle.
- Generous associate discount; group discounts on auto, pet and homeowner insurance.
- Discount Marketplace for travel, consumer products, food, auto buying, etc.
- Associate resource groups.
Qualifications:
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical, organizational, and managerial skills.
- Strong sense of fashion trends and ability to translate for the J. Jill customer.
- Proficient in Excel, including ability to build and manipulate pivot tables, write formulas, create charts/graphs, etc.
- Results driven. Responsible for sales and margin targets for category of business.
- Adept at leading and maintaining strong cross-functional relationships. Act as point-person for product team, foster clear and effective communication, and drive decision-making.
- Ability to facilitate group discussion for maximum idea generation and problem solving.
- Knowledge of industry practices and current trends.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop associates, provide career coaching, and provide tactical training for team members.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 5 years related experience.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.