Merchandising Associate

About the role

The Merchandising Associate is accountable for inventory management metrics, timely preparation of vendor sales plans, maintenance of supplier relationships, and effective execution of strategic plans. This role partners with merchandising associates, the marketing department, the inventory office manager, and store managers to achieve goals. This position may require working weekends, some holidays, and peak sales periods.

Responsibilities

• Place and follow up on special orders with suppliers.
• Prepare Vendor Key Item reporting monthly.
• Enter purchase orders on ASC system with proper descriptions, costs, and images.
• Monitor AUPO programs monthly.
• Review all open orders.
• Implement price changes for assigned areas of responsibility.
• Update website products and content.
• Organize image bank for usable content.
• Provide transfer recommendations for your areas of responsibility.
• Plan, purchase, and develop merchandising strategies for assigned categories.
• Plan open-to-buys and budgets for approval by supervisor.
• Work with supervisor to develop strategic and creative direction for assigned merchandise categories.
• Collaborate with stores to ensure proper visual presentation of merchandise (e.g., store visits, merchandise displays, transfers, understock trays, items to RTV).
• Work on the sales floor regularly to maintain contact with staff and clients.
• Plan merchandise assortments for marketing—catalogue, print, and other media—ensuring advertised items are in stock and providing input to drive sales.
• Meet monthly to review purchase projections.
• Travel to domestic trade shows as required; research and develop new products and lines aligned with the company’s merchandising strategy.
• Negotiate terms, delivery (with merchandising director), and cooperative advertising allowances (with marketing director).
• Develop and monitor core inventory programs for assigned departments.
• Provide analysis of vendor performance.
• Develop and financially validate assortments and buying plans for assigned departments.
• Analyze Sales/ROI/GM/Turnover data: ABC by department/vendor at least quarterly for your areas of responsibility; ABC by vendor/item at least quarterly to review top items.
• Monthly review of product for transfers, RTVs, and closeouts.
• Train staff on product, trends, and new items.
• Visit stores to review merchandise presentation and staff knowledge.
• Maintain constant and clear internal and external communication.

Requirements

• Proven track record in effective inventory management, vendor relationship building, and teamwork.
• Creative problem-solving ability.
• Ability and willingness to travel for store visits, domestic trade shows, and meetings.
• Flexibility in schedule.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Products.
• ASC computer system experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of marketing, merchandising, or branding experience in fine jewelry and watches.
• College degree preferred.
• Experience in high-end jewelry or luxury environments.
• Education from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or other related degrees (e.g., AGS).
• Knowledge of inventory management metrics including sales plans and goals, GMROI, turn, and gross margin %.

Physical Requirements

• Physical activity includes reading, writing, walking, walking up and down stairs, standing, sitting, kneeling, and lifting up to 25 lbs.