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 the company's 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 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, while identifying and acting on merchandising opportunities.
• People leadership: Motivate and inspire your team through AEO's core values, hold them accountable for customer service standards, and serve as a role model on the Salesfloor and in the Fitting Room.
• Talent development: Recruit and hire strong talent to meet business needs, prioritize training and development to ensure outstanding service, and provide ongoing performance feedback through real-time coaching.
• Teamwork: Conduct team touchbases, development plans, and performance reviews. 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 guest-ready and aligned with AEO Brand Standards.
• Integrity: Maintain store safety and Asset Protection standards, adhere to 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.
• Experience leading and developing 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.
• Store contests with chances to win free merchandise and exclusive prizes.
• Eligibility for health care benefits (medical, vision, and dental), 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 customers to celebrate their uniqueness. We have broadened our leadership by producing innovative, sustainable fabrics.