Assistant Merchant - Aerie Brand

POSITION TITLE:  Assistant Merchant

POSITION SUMMARY
Responsible for working with the Merchant in the implementation and execution of strategies to drive a compelling and holistic assortment for the AEO Brand. The Assistant Merchant is expected to execute the vision of the leadership team while servicing the American Eagle Outfitters customer. They intuitively respond to sales and market trends to propose actions that drive category specific growth and increased profitability. A passion for trend, strong attention to detail, ability to thrive in a fast paced business, and entrepreneurial spirit are key characteristics for success.

Responsibilities

• Analyze business and deliver recommendations to drive sales and margin growth on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis.
• Utilize sales history to aid Merchant in identifying product opportunities in the assortment. 
• Partner with Planning and Inventory Planning to pull all necessary analysis required for weekly sales recapping, as well as product meetings.
• Own on order and shipping; work closely with Planning, Inventory Planning, Production, and Transportation to ensure all product receipts timely and as planned.
• Understand (at all times) Brick and Mortar and Digital marketplace and competition. Have a strong point of view regarding trend, product placement, pricing, and marketing.
• Take ownership of product information for every style bought, asserting oneself as the expert of details. Quickly identify and adapt to changes and trends occurring in the business. 
• Organize and create a systematic method for managing all sample areas. Partner with Production, Design, Business Strategies, Visual Merchandising, and the Photo Studio to ensure all samples are where they need to be at all times. 
• Manage all PO’s – Own attributing and information pass off to MOS and Inventory Planning teams to ensure orders are written accurately and timely. 
• Maintain understanding of total AE Business, tracking assortment strategies, current and past sales performance, and opportunities for growth. 
• Boast a creative, optimistic, ‘think outside the box’ mentality

Key Business Partners

• Design
• Production
• Merchandise & Inventory Planning
• Business Strategies
• Marketing & PR
• Site Merchandising & Equity 
• Visual Merchandising

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Retail or Business focus preferred.
• 1+ years previous experience in retail merchandising.
• The ability to operate in both a strategic and hands-on capacity is required.
• Passionate with a keen sense of the latest fashion trends while being able to interpret them for the AE customer. 
• Strong organization, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. Demonstrated ability to sell and influence.
• Strong financial and analytical skills; ability to utilize Google Office Suite.
• Demonstrated success in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment; flexibility and team orientation.

Pay/Benefits Information:

• 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 (including 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.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service.  For additional information, please click here.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion. 

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) is a portfolio of unique, loved and enduring brands with merchandise assortments that consist of high-quality, on-trend apparel, intimates, activewear, accessories, and personal care products. AEO operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 300 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries. AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law. Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.