Assistant Merchandise Manager - Lands' End School Uniforms (Hybrid)

About the position

This is a hybrid role with three weeks per month onsite (Mon - Thurs). The fourth week is fully remote. People are the heart of our company, and our doors are open to everyone. As a customer, as an employee - we are committed to creating an inspiring culture that is welcoming, safe, and inclusive for all. Our strength in work and life comes from the combination of our experiences, backgrounds, and talents. It's what we do as people that makes Lands' End a great place to shop and a great place to work. The Assistant Merchant will play a key role in supporting the Merchant team with execution of key merchandising strategies by analyzing data, reviewing critical reporting, and reacting to data points associated with the business. You will provide fact-based information to the Merchant team which will allow decisions to be made on key concepts, key items, promotional strategies, and product assortments that are brand right and aligned with the Lands' End customer. In addition, you will work closely with cross functional partners, including the international merchant teams, in all key areas mentioned above to ensure that the right products are available at the right time, driving sales and enhancing the customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze sales performance, identifying trends, bestsellers, and underperforming products.
• Generate reports and analyze weekly and monthly category metrics.
• Coordinate and provide communication of key reports i.e. compiling data in power point and/or excel documents for key meetings.
• Assist in developing pricing strategies based on competitive analysis and market positioning.
• Assist in the creation of a strategic and comprehensive assortments for catalog, website, and retail while keeping a consistent message across all channels.
• Work cross-functionally with Design, Creative, Global Sourcing, and Inventory Planning to assist in delivering category strategies like sales goals and margin targets.
• Partner with Digital Merchandising to ensure the accuracy of color, copy, and photo shoots are represented correctly on LE.com.
• Partner with the Associate Merchandising Manager and/or Merchandise Manager to initiate and execute the product development process. Document and share updates with Omni and International partners.
• Review market trends and translate those into ideas for key items, profitable growth, and results.
• Assist in managing inventory turnover, minimizing excess stock, and reducing markdowns.
• Work with the Inventory Planning and Global Sourcing teams to optimize stock levels across different sales channels.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to plan and execute promotional activities, including seasonal sales, product launches, and special events.
• Assist in developing merchandising plans for in-store and online displays, ensuring product visibility and alignment with promotional strategies, where applicable.
• Track the effectiveness of promotions and make recommendations for future initiatives.
• Assist in the product development process, from concept to final product, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market trends.
• Participate in sample reviews and product testing to ensure quality and marketability.
• Commitment to gain knowledge of the Lands' End customer through customer reviews, company operated retail stores, competitive shopping, and trade shows. Discuss research and trends with cross functional partners.
• Understanding of category key concepts, items, promotional strategies and product assortments with the ability to step in and provide updates and recommendations to upper management in the absence of an Associate Merchandise Manager or Merchandising Manager.
• Apply quarterly hindsight findings and make concrete decisions based on those findings for future seasons.
• Specific categories may communicate with vendor to negotiate cost for potential buys for the season.
• Must follow all safe work practices, escalate unsafe conditions and report incidents.

Requirements

• Strong analytical skills and financial acumen.
• Proficient Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
• Experience with Centric, Quick view, media compass, APIP, SharePoint a plus.
• Basic understanding of retail math, including margin calculations, inventory turnover, and sales forecasting.
• Instinct and passion for great product, strong product point of view.
• Acute awareness of market trends.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize independently in a highly competitive and fast paced environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong presentation skills and confidence.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to the fast-paced and ever-changing retail environment.