Merchandising Associate Manager - JD

Studs is a category-defining ear piercing and earring brand named one of "the 10 most innovative companies in retail for 2023" by Fast Company. Studs connects ear piercing with aftercare and earring shopping to create an end-to-end Earscaping® experience. We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool, fun and welcoming environment, along with a wide earring assortment—all at an accessible price point.

Description:

Studs is a category-defining ear piercing and earring brand named one of "the 10 most innovative companies in retail for 2023" by Fast Company. Studs connects ear piercing with aftercare and earring shopping to create an end-to-end Earscaping® experience. We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool, fun and welcoming environment, along with a wide earring assortment—all at an accessible price point.

Based in New York, NY, the Merchandising Associate Manager will report to the SVP of Merchandising. You will be responsible for supporting product, inventory, and merchandising strategy. This role will collaborate closely with the retail operations and finance teams.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory Strategy:

• Develop and execute inventory optimization strategies to align with demand forecasts, sales goals, and financial targets.
• Own purchasing strategies, working closely with Planning and Finance to drive efficiency and profitability.
• Leverage sample management as a strategic tool for visual merchandising, marketing campaigns, and buyer decision-making.
  
  

Merchandising & Product Strategy:

• Own category management for assigned product lines, providing market and consumer insights that drive assortment planning.
• Develop and implement seasonal merchandising strategies, ensuring alignment with brand vision and business objectives.
• Collaborate with Marketing to influence content strategy, promotional initiatives, and visual storytelling across multiple channels.
• Enhance visual merchandising execution, ensuring consistency and alignment with brand identity across all retail locations.
  
  

Sales, Analytics & Business Impact:

• Interpret sales, inventory, and market data to drive profitability, optimize pricing, and improve product performance.
• Own key merchandising KPIs, including sell-through rates, margin optimization, and inventory turn, providing actionable insights.
• Monitor competitive landscape to recommend new product opportunities, pricing strategies, and market positioning.
  
  

Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence:

• Lead cross-functional projects with Planning, Logistics, and Store Operations to enhance efficiency and streamline product flow.
• Serve as the primary merchandising liaison with store teams, ensuring strategy execution in-market.
• Mentor junior merchandising talent, fostering development within the team.
  
  

Requirements:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, Marketing, or a related field preferred. 4-6 years of experience in merchandising, retail operations, or a related field, with a strong track record of driving product performance and strategic merchandising decisions.
• Industry Knowledge: Expertise in fashion trends, textiles, design principles, and retail merchandising concepts to drive strategic decision-making.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides), and experience with retail management systems, inventory tracking software, and order management platforms. Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.
• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen: Ability to analyze market data, consumer behavior, and sales performance to drive merchandising decisions and optimize product offerings.
• Creativity & Visual Merchandising: Experience in developing compelling merchandising concepts and executing brand-right visual displays that enhance the customer experience.
• Project Management & Leadership: Strong ability to manage multiple merchandising projects, drive cross-functional initiatives, and ensure strategic execution.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with internal teams (Retail, Marketing, Planning, and Logistics) and external vendors.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to troubleshoot inventory issues, resolve discrepancies, and proactively drive process improvements.
  
  

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including $0 in-network mental health visits, commuter benefits and 401k
• HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
• Additional mental health resources such as Talkspace and Headspace
• Gender affirmation support services, EAP sessions and work/life resources
• Flexible Work Environment (3 days in office, 2 days work from home)
• 4 weeks accrued Paid Time Off, 7 days accrued Sick Time, 11 paid holidays, and 4 Quarterly Wellness Days (where the whole team takes time off together to recharge)
• Three months of paid Parental Leave (biological, adoptive, and foster parents are all eligible)
• A paid sabbatical after four years of full-time service
• Ongoing learning & development, opportunities for upward mobility, performance reviews, and consistent coaching to help you grow professionally
• Discounts on piercings and products (we've got your friends and family covered too!)
• Access to PerkSpot and additional benefits such as pet insurance, discounted tickets, personal finance coaching, healthy rewards and extended life insurance
  
  

Studs is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or any other legally protected status. Studs considers qualified applicants with criminal histories. We comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which we operate. If you require an accommodation for the application process, please fill out this form.

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