Summary:

The Assistant Merchant at Soft Surroundings is a motivated individual and key member of the Omni Merchant team. This role is responsible for supporting the Merchant/Sr Merchant with developing and executing product strategy and building product assortments that are Feminine, Unique, Stylish and Effortless. Partners with Cross functional team to drive product strategies in these categories and deliver results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist Merchant/Sr Merchant to develop and communicate pre-season strategic product goals tied to annual financial plans
• Develop seasonal line plans; partner with Design to develop seasonal product strategies, product concepts, and storytelling
• Pull and analyze data seasonal hindsight across all channels, providing learnings that shape next seasonal strategy
• Assist Merchant/Sr Merchant in assorting process, ensuring assortment architecture balance, compelling storytelling, and inspirational outfitting
• Partner with Planning to ensure buy targets are met; partner with sourcing to meet IMU targets, maintain quality standards in fabric and construction; partner with tech design to ensure best fitting garments for target customer
• Weekly analysis of business results based on product, and actioning changes needed to capitalize on winds and mitigate risks
• Stay in touch with customer and trend thru on-going store visits, comp shopping, and market patterning
• Confirm accuracy of all Item information with Cross Functional Partners
• Communicate all add, changes, missing information to Cross Functional Partners in a timely manner
• Assist in completion of Product Lifecycle commitments and deadlines
• Develop working knowledge of internal systems, BI, Tableau, Excel, Outlook

Key skills:

• Must have an Associate degree but prefer a Bachelors in the fashion or merchandising field
• Strong organizational and time management skills to meet all deadlines
• Flexible to daily changing demands with good follow through to completion
• Solid follow up skills with attention to details to ensure high level of accuracy
• Working knowledge of Outlook, Excel, Word, (Power Point optional) and Internet Explorer
• Problem solving. Identify issues, suggest solutions, inform effected team and/or immediate leader for awareness
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

Experience:

• 1+ years' experience in previous Buying office or Retail store operations experience
• Ability to learn new technologies and train others
• Works to positively influence peers to adopt new processes/ technology
• Willingness to take on project-based roles