Aerie - 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 company values by bringing your REAL self to work every day.

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 guest 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 merchandising opportunities and creating action plans.
• People leadership: You motivate and inspire your team through AEO’s core values, holding them accountable for customer service standards, 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.
• Teamwork and engagement: You provide ongoing performance feedback through real-time coaching, prioritize team touchbases, development plans, and performance reviews, and celebrate your team’s outstanding performance to drive associate engagement.
• Operational innovation: 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 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 skills with attention to detail; expertise in priority-setting and time management.
• Ability to lead and develop 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.
• Participation in store contests with chances to win free merchandise and exclusive prizes.
• Work with a supportive and inclusive team (#AEOFamily).

Pay

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 (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.
• Holiday pay (varies by job level, type, location, employment classification, and years of service).
• Discretionary bonuses and other incentives at AEO’s discretion.

Schedule

Full time.

About Us

Aerie is a fast-growing lifestyle brand offering intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections. Built on a platform of power, positivity, and no photo retouching, Aerie inspires people to love their real selves. Through the #AerieREAL™ movement, we celebrate our community by advocating for body positivity and the empowerment of all women. As part of our Real Good promise, we create swimsuits, bras, and underwear using materials made from recycled polyester, recycled nylon fabric, or sustainably sourced cotton.