Merchant

Title:                                     Merchant

Reports to:                         Director of Merchandising

Position Summary:        Weissman / Dancewear Solutions is a national Recital Costume/Dancewear catalog/web retailer and manufacturer that is experiencing rapid growth.  The Merchant position is responsible for developing and executing merchandising strategies that ensure the continued growth of the Costume or Dancewear business. 

Responsibilities:            Business analytics:  Delivers sales performance by analyzing sales and assortment along with competitors’ assortments, pricing and catalog/web presentations.  Use analysis to recommend with confidence the optimal product, pricing, and promotional strategies to Design and Marketing.

                                                Merchandising Strategy: Utilize customer and industry knowledge to identify white space and opportunities for new big product strategies/business strategies to drive sales growth.

                                              Product Selection and Communication:  Selects assortment, colors, sizing, and pricing that are consistent with the Weissman brands and based on financial history, customer votes, competitive landscape, and emerging trends.  Communicates and influences this product strategy to Design and Marketing partners.

                                                Inventory Management:  Partners with Inventory Planning to rank and forecast products based on history, customer feedback, inventory turn, and customer service goals.  In addition, monitors inventory levels to determine timing of price changes, sales, and clearance.

                                                Vendor Relationship Management:  Builds ‘win-win’ relationships with all suppliers working collaboratively with sourcing by clearly communicating Weissman’s needs and goals and by quantifying and confidently asking for what is needed from each vendor.

Pricing:  Determines item pricing based on a combination of Weissman financial goals using both margin goals and pricing landscape with the competition.  Cost engineering garments and pricing with perceived value between products. 

Quality:  Collaboratively works with Product Development team to ensure that all products meet or exceed the customer’s needs and expectations.

Training and Development of Merchandising Team Members:  Consistently provides and demonstrates Leadership along with development feedback and IDP plans to grow the team for internal promotions or advancement.

Expected Outcomes:      Financial: Meets or exceeds planned sales and margin goals

Timelines:  Meet all internal merchandising, purchasing and marketing deadlines as planned

Leadership:  Successful introduction of new ideas, business opportunities and process efficiencies by confidently selling these ideas/processes internally while listening to and incorporating appropriate suggestions of management, peers and subordinates.

Qualifications:                Bachelors degree or equivalent

                                                5 to 7 years buying or merchandising experience

                                                Demonstrated success in managing and growing a business

Strong analytical skills, understanding of financial metrics and understanding of business development

                                                Highly developed communication skills

Demonstrated ability to work effectively cross-functionally and to influence ideas internally

Demonstrates strong leadership skills