Assistant Merchant

About the role

At Bath & Body Works, we believe everybody deserves to feel good. When you join us, you're part of more than an iconic fragrance and personal care brand—you become part of Gingham Nation, where people are at the center of everything we do. We believe great associate experiences create great consumer experiences. When our associates feel supported, inspired, and empowered, consumers feel it. Whether you're starting your career or building your next chapter, we invest in your growth so you can learn, lead, and help create feel-good moments every day.

The Assistant Merchant supports the execution of creative product development, maintains seasonal line plans, implements testing strategies, and cascades information to cross-functional teams for specific categories. They assist in delivering sales and profit growth by helping manage the commercialization of new product launches, analyzing consumer insights to support key brand priorities, and supporting in-store product launches.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Merchant on growth-driving brand strategy and planning, including new product development, pricing, promotions/sampling, internal associate education and training, competitive patterning, performance analysis, and hind-sighting.
• Assist in creating internal presentations for executives and cross-functional teams, from concept brainstorming to drafting documents and preparing meeting materials.
• Coordinate new development projects, including data input within Centric, process paperwork (e.g., Project Initiation Forms, Design Requests, Product Briefs for all products, sampling, and gift sets), costing analysis, and running communication flow to cross-functional team members.
• Support alignment on product description, claims, and aesthetics.
• Collaborate with Commercialization Services to monitor timelines, anticipate/communicate issues, and drive deliverable dates on time.
• Support the Merchant in developing a line plan that represents the Brand and aligns with the seasonal merchandise strategy.
• Analyze data in weekly business meetings to share result-driven insights, customer feedback, and in-store merchandising opportunities.
• Assist in meeting preparation, sample management, report evaluation, and analysis. Share your POV and recommendations based on current results and category strategy.
• Research the competition: understand other retailers’ assortment, pricing, and promotional strategy.
• Visit stores regularly to proactively solicit feedback from customers and sales associates.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of related work experience in brand development, merchandise buying, and/or retail management.
• An eye for business with analytical and retail math skills.
• Demonstrate a passion for product and customer satisfaction.
• Be a self-starter and work independently, producing accurate work.
• Ability to influence and lead through challenges, problem-solve, and build a cohesive team.
• Exceptional ability to enhance cooperative working relationships.
• Able to multi-task and prioritize with a strong sense of urgency and ability to handle the stress of a change-agile work environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) with experience using Centric PLM for data entry, project tracking, and product development support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Core Competencies

• Lead with Curiosity & Humility
• Build High Performing Teams for Today & Tomorrow
• Influence & Inspire with Vision & Purpose
• Observe, Engage & Connect
• Strive to Achieve Operational Excellence
• Deliver Business Results

Benefits

Bath & Body Works associates are the heart of our business. That’s why we're proud to offer benefits that empower you to Dream Bigger & Live Brighter.

• Robust medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage. Plus, access to our onsite wellness center and pharmacy located at the Columbus, OH home office.
• 401k with company match and Associate Stock Purchase with discount.
• No-cost mental health and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Opportunity for paid time off and paid parental leave. Plus, access to family and lifestyle programs including a family-building benefit, childcare discounts, and home, auto, and pet insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education programs.
• 40% merchandise discount and gratis that encourages you to come back to your senses!