POSITION TITLE:  Divisional Merchandise Manager

REPORTS TO: VP of Men’s Merchandising

Direct Reports: Merchandise Managers + Merchants    

 

POSITION SUMMARY:
Direct the merchandise assortments and promotional strategies for a profitable Men’s Omni Channel business; conceptualize and direct the product life cycle from design through Customer purchase.  Responsible for the overall management of a merchant team: including supervision, mentoring, training, hiring and performance management. Maximize profit margin and meet financial goals while partnering with internal departments (i.e. Design, Planning, Marketing) to create effective business strategies.

 

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Develop a merchandise strategy that is Brand focused Create forward looking plans/priorities/direction for Men’s division  Provide inspiration to the Design and Merchandise Teams in order to be a fashion leader for the AE Customer Work closely with Design team to interpret and forecast trends for Men’s Bottoms division  Collaborate with Design and Production to make appropriate and timely decisions to execute deliveries to scheduled floorsets  Lead team through divisional strategies and plans that presents a single vision at point-of-sale   Develop a Team of promotable professionals who can meet the future needs of the business Champion a Team environment that cross functionally comes to a collaborative result:  Planning/Inventory Planning, Design, Sourcing/Production and Merchandising  Provide direction to business partners in order to maximize business/profitability opportunities Initiate suggestions and ideas to improve the business Manage the daily, weekly, monthly reorganization of priorities in order to maintain control of the business and maximize profits

 

KEY BUSINESS PARTNERS:

Design Production Merchandise & Inventory Planning Business Strategies Marketing Site Merchandising

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or equivalent required. 10+ years prior buying experience from a specialty retailer. 6+ years experience in a leadership role. Prior Merchandising experience in Men’s apparel/bottoms preferred.  Ability to manage a cross functional team including a Merchandising team.   Prioritizes development of people and team and inclusively motivates and challenges direct reports to hit their highest potential.  Aggressive and passionate individual will be most successful in this and future roles. Keen sense of fashion exhibited through personal taste.  Understanding of aspirational labels and how to interpret their seasonal stories/messages for the AE Men’s customer both domestically and internationally. Excellent analytical and creative skills to challenge the planning and design sides of the organization. Demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy (coolness and composure under strain, confidence without arrogance). Risk Taker - Carefully considers risk/reward, ready to try new ways of doing things to improve learning. Forward Thinking/Innovative – Not satisfied with the status quo, ahead of the times, advanced views, creating something like nothing done or experienced before. Persuasive - Able to motivate others through the appropriate use of interpersonal styles and communication methods to gain acceptance of a product, service, or idea. Strategic – Possesses the ability to conceptualize and understand risks facing a business as well as the ability to create a strategy surrounding a specific opportunity. Build creative solutions and plans that meet objectives and maximize impact. Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Travel is required, including the potential for international travel. High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications. Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team. Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management. Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment. Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.
 

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.