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, build guest loyalty through a best-in-class experience, analyze reporting and daily trends to make strategic business decisions, and assist in developing short and long-term business plans to drive key KPIs.
• Merchandising innovation: Coach your team to deliver an outstanding guest experience by maintaining AEO Brand Standards. Lead day-to-day merchandising, sell-through adjustments, and replenishment, and proactively identify merchandising opportunities with actionable plans.
• People leadership: Motivate and inspire your team through AEO's core values, hold them accountable for customer service standards, especially on the Salesfloor and in the Fitting Room, and serve as a role-model leader.
• Talent development: Prioritize recruiting and hiring strong talent to meet business needs, and take pride in training and developing your team to provide outstanding service.
• Teamwork: 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 innovation: 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: Maintain store safety standards, adhere to Asset Protection standards, 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 abilities, attention to detail, priority-setting, and time management skills.
• Experience leading and developing teams, with a general understanding of employment law.
• Strong business acumen.
• Flexible availability to work during peak guest shopping hours.

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.
• Store contests with chances to win free merchandise and exclusive prizes.
• Subject to eligibility, associates may receive:
  • Health care benefits (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.
• 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 own uniqueness. We have broadened our leadership by producing innovative, sustainable fabrics.

Full-time position located in Altoona, IA, United States.