Assistant Merchandise Manager-Packaged Gifts

The Assistant Merchandise Manager will support the Merchandise Manager, in all aspects of product development, assortment planning and communication. The Assistant Merchandise Manager is also accountable for assortment planning, pricing, cost negotiations and all channel placement through the entire product lifecycle. This position plays a key role in contributing to the achievement of sales and margin goals by achieving the financial goals and strategic objectives of an area of the business.\n
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\nMajor responsibilities of the position are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties, assignments and specific projects may be assigned at the discretion of executive management\n
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\nSupport product development, internal and external; assortment planning; and profitability goals of the department providing timely analyses and accurate reporting.\n
\nSupport Merchandise Manager in communicating related product information to all cross functional partners (Marketing, Operations, Customer Service, Product Development).\n
\nIndependently manage an area of the business; lead assortment planning, pricing, cost negotiations, and all channel placement through the entire product lifecycle.\n
\nEvaluate and recommend appropriate actions to remove low contributing products from the assortment.\n
\nEnsure company and vendor deadlines are met through timely communication and asset acquisition (photo samples, product information, enclosures, product tasting samples).\n
\nPartner with inventory management team to assure that products are delivered in a timely manner to minimize out of stocks and lost sales.\n
\nManage all system requirements, including assortment planning, item set ups, product information, price changes, others as needed.\n
\nTrack and evaluate expiring merchandise; prepare recommendations for appropriate action to resolve immediate issues and eliminate expiring product in the future.\n
\nParticipate in product tastings to determine placement in the assortment and/or to change product for production efficiencies.\n
\nMaintain current knowledge and understanding of key competitor's product and promotional trends and best merchandising practices in catalog, online, and direct marketing channels.\n
\nAssist in managing vendor relationships and external partner communication.\n
\nUpdate job knowledge by participating in conferences, trade shows, and educational opportunities as appropriate; reading professional publications; maintaining professional networks.\n
\nOther duties as assigned.\n
\nRequirements:\n
\nA Bachelor's Degree in Merchandising, Business or a related field or equivalent experience.\n
\n1-3 years related experience in project management or a buying department.\n
\nExperience in gourmet food, gifting, and luxury goods desired.\n
\nAbility to analyze reports and draw conclusions/ recommendations.\n
\nStrong coordination skills, ability to multi-task and manage to a deadline.\n
\nAbility to work with multiple teams, vendors, partners and management.\n
\nStrong Microsoft Office Suite skills, particularly in Excel required.\n
\nStrong presentation skills required. Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people and with all levels of management.\n
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