Assistant Merchandise Manager-Packaged Gifts

About the role

The Assistant Merchandise Manager supports the Merchandise Manager in all aspects of product development, assortment planning, and communication. This position is accountable for assortment planning, pricing, cost negotiations, and all channel placement throughout the entire product lifecycle. The role plays a key role in contributing to the achievement of sales and margin goals by meeting financial targets and strategic objectives for an area of the business.

Responsibilities

• Support product development, internal and external; assortment planning; and profitability goals of the department by providing timely analyses and accurate reporting.
• Support the Merchandise Manager in communicating product information to cross-functional partners (Marketing, Operations, Customer Service, Product Development).
• Independently manage an area of the business, leading assortment planning, pricing, cost negotiations, and all channel placement through the entire product lifecycle.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate actions to remove low-contributing products from the assortment.
• Ensure company and vendor deadlines are met through timely communication and asset acquisition (photo samples, product information, enclosures, product tasting samples).
• Partner with the inventory management team to ensure products are delivered on time to minimize out-of-stocks and lost sales.
• Manage all system requirements, including assortment planning, item setups, product information, price changes, and others as needed.
• Track and evaluate expiring merchandise; prepare recommendations for appropriate action to resolve immediate issues and eliminate future expiring product.
• Participate in product tastings to determine placement in the assortment and/or to adjust product for production efficiencies.
• Maintain current knowledge and understanding of key competitors’ products, promotional trends, and best merchandising practices in catalog, online, and direct marketing channels.
• Assist in managing vendor relationships and external partner communication.
• Update job knowledge by participating in conferences, trade shows, and educational opportunities; reading professional publications; and maintaining professional networks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.