POSITION TITLE:  Assistant Merchant

Reports to:  Associate Merchant, Merchant, Director of Merchandising

 

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Third-Party Assistant Merchant to support our brand in managing vendor relationships, executing assortments, and driving business results. This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to coordinate across multiple teams to ensure seamless execution from product onboarding to sales performance.

 

Key Responsibilities

Vendor Onboarding & Order Management

Identify new brands and collaboration opportunities. Initiate vendor onboarding, collect necessary details, and input data into MOS spreadsheets. Provide production teams with PO details, including FCA vendors and HTS codes. Confirm order details and size breaks with vendors. Manage UPC & EAN uploads in PLM system, ensuring accuracy for Shopify integration. Write, release, and confirm POs with vendors; email POs as needed. Troubleshoot and resolve PO/vendor invoice discrepancies for timely payments.

Assortment & Strategy

Conduct competitor pricing and trend analysis. Provide quarterly product knowledge, including fit intent, brand bios, and style details. Maintain 80/20 hindsight ranking for pre- and post-assortment analysis. Partner with planners on OTB (Open-to-Buy) strategy. Build, load, and manage seasonal assortments (inline, 3P, collaborations) in buytool. Coordinate sample handoffs, retouching needs, and deadlines for creative teams.

Milestones & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Attend and contribute to weekly CFT meetings (Collab, Accessories, Footwear). Participate in Investment Reviews, Hindsight Reviews, and Board/Sketch Reviews.

Business Management & Performance Monitoring

Conduct weekly sales analysis, identifying opportunities to adjust product flow. Manage order handover dates, shipment tracking, and prioritization with inbound teams. Maintain accurate cost updates to protect IMU%. Oversee PO management, including floorset updates, costing, and closeouts. Monitor allocation requests, transfers, and consolidation efforts. Address UPC, style number, and inventory tracking issues. Manage SKU-intensive projects (dropship, vintage, consignment). Handle grooming tester replenishment and customer service inquiries. Maintain awareness of business performance.

Creative, Visual, & Site Merchandising

Develop and present quarterly "Big Ideas" for merchandising. Coordinate with visual teams for new and core style launches. Ensure sample accuracy while partnering with Design and Production.  Ensure photo samples are shot and product details are accurately presented online. Upload and manage product info in Shopify (swatching, tagging, launching). QA site updates, proof final emails, and test links before launch. Maintain catalog credits and manage PDP content updates. Organize or maintain organization of samples.

 

Qualifications & Skills

Experience: 2+ years in merchandising, buying, or related field within fashion/retail. Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or equivalent. Ability to analyze sales data and adjust strategies accordingly. Proficiency in Retail Math. Comfortable with ambiguity and change. Strong project management skills to track multiple product timelines. Experience working cross-functionally with vendors, planners, and creative teams. Familiarity with Shopify, MOS, PLM Systems, Excel, and merchandising systems preferred.

 

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION

Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location. Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits. Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE. AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.