AE - Merchandising Team Leader (Assistant Manager)

About the Role

As the full-time Merchandising Team Leader, you are the Store Team Leader's "go-to" in developing and implementing the Merchandising strategy for the store. Your passion lies in training and coaching your team into great merchants delivering AEO brand Visual standards every day. Through your leadership, your team consistently executes floorsets, merchandising, and marketing brand standards. You ensure the store is always "guest ready" through effective replenishment and represent AEO's company values daily.

Responsibilities

• Driving sales: As a key Leader on Duty (LOD), you maximize Fitting Room and Salesfloor productivity to drive sales and build guest loyalty through a best-in-class experience. You analyze reporting and daily trends to make strategic business decisions and contribute to the store’s financial success. You assist the Store Team Leader in developing short and long-term business plans to drive key KPIs.
• Merchandising innovation: You coach your team to deliver an outstanding guest experience by ensuring the store consistently meets AEO Brand Standards. You lead day-to-day merchandising, sell-through adjustments, and replenishment, while identifying opportunities and creating action plans to address them.
• People leadership: You motivate and inspire your team through AEO’s core values, holding them accountable for delivering exceptional customer service, especially on the Salesfloor and in the Fitting Room.
• Talent development: You prioritize recruiting and hiring strong talent to ensure the store is staffed to meet business needs. You take pride in training and developing your team to provide outstanding service.
• Team collaboration: You provide ongoing performance feedback through real-time coaching, prioritize team touchbases, development plans, and performance reviews, and drive associate engagement by celebrating outstanding performance.
• Operational excellence: You execute and innovate daily operational procedures, maintain visual standards across all store zones, and ensure Fitting Rooms are always guest-ready and aligned with AEO Brand Standards.
• Integrity: You maintain store safety standards, adhere to Asset Protection protocols, follow AEO’s policies and procedures, and consistently do the right thing.

Qualifications

• Passion for AE and Aerie products.
• Previous experience leading teams in a retail management role.
• Strong multi-tasking, attention to detail, priority-setting, and time management skills.
• Ability to lead and develop teams, with a general understanding of employment law.
• Business acumen and flexible availability to work during peak guest shopping times.

Benefits

• 40% off product at both AE & Aerie year-round, plus additional seasonal discounts with new floorsets.
• Opportunities for development, skill-building, and career advancement.
• Participation in store contests for the chance to win free merchandise and exclusive prizes.
• Health care benefits (medical, vision, and dental), subject to eligibility requirements.
• Wellness benefits, 401(k) retirement benefits, life and disability insurance, and an employee stock purchase program.
• Paid time off, paid sick leave, parental leave, and holiday pay (varies by job level, location, and employment classification).
• Discretionary bonuses and other incentives at AEO’s discretion.

About Us

American Eagle is a leading American jeans and apparel brand, the go-to destination for casual style, embraced by generations of youth since 1977. We are rooted in authenticity, powered by positivity, and inspired by our community. Our collections are designed to inspire self-expression and empower our customers to celebrate their uniqueness. We have broadened our leadership by producing innovative, sustainable fabrics.