Merchant

Position title:               Merchant

Department:                Merchandising

Reports to (title):         Director/Senior Director Merchandising        

FLSA Status:                Exempt                       

Date:                            December 2021

JOB SUMMARY:

Develops a customer focused business strategy to deliver the company’s financial goals. Assorts the line and partners with Merchandise Planning to deliver business strategy objectives. Communicates merchandise strategies to all cross-functional partners.  Drives the business through in-season management, assessment, and reaction to current trends.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Creates merchandise framework to guide design to meet financial targets.

• Partners with Merchandise Planning on development of strategies that support business objectives.

• Provides Hindsights, interprets results, and implements action.

• Contributes in season reaction to the business through daily reaction and interpretation of results.

• Edits and adopts the line to meet strategic business needs by segment.

• Establishes retail pricing and mark up targets to meet financial goals.

• Ensures proper presentation and space allocation of product to drive financial results.

• Ranks product and assigns quantities in collaboration with Merchandise Planning.

• Communicates strategies and key drivers to cross functional marketing partners to drive the business.

• Provides in season management of customer communications to optimize the business.

• Maintains competitive awareness and analysis with relevant recommendations.

• Visits J. Jill stores regularly with the purpose of interpreting customer feedback and takes appropriate actions.

• Uses  J. Jill brand filter in all decision making.

• Hires, trains, reviews and supervises staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Detail oriented with strong managerial, organization and product management skills.

• Results driven.

• Strong analytic and strategic skills.

• Ability to develop and maintain strong cross functional relationships.

• Ability to facilitate group discussion for maximum idea generation and problem solving.

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of industry practices and current trend.

• Strong working knowledge of merchandising and operating systems.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop associates.

• Ability to develop best practices in performance management.

• Ability to provide career coaching and training to team members.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Periods of time sitting and standing, working at a desk and on a computer.

• Ability to communicate information and observe details at close range.

• Light to moderate lifting may be required

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.