Overview

Associate, Merchandising Operations Jobs in United States at Ariela & Associates International

Title: Associate, Merchandising Operations

Company: Ariela & Associates International

Location: United States

Position Overview

This role will provide essential support to the Merchandising team in the planning, execution, and delivery of programs for the AAi portfolio. This role will help drive product development from concept through delivery, ensuring alignment with business strategies, timelines, and brand standards. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and proactive, with a strong interest in apparel merchandising and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

General Merchandising Support

  • Manage the style set-up process, creating and maintaining style/SKU data in the ERP system in accordance with Product Attribute Standards.
  • Ensure style set-ups are completed accurately and on time based on the Merchandise Lifecycle Calendar (MLC).
  • Manage updates to style attributes as needed.
  • Assist in preparing materials for key merchandise development milestones, including CAD updates for assortment reviews, hindsight meetings, and style outs.
  • Maintain assortment grids and share updates with cross-functional partners.
  • Assist in creating global line plans informed by market trends and business objectives.
  • Coordinate with design, production, and marketing teams to ensure timely and accurate product information for seasonal assortments and new launches.

Fruit of the Loom Merchandising Support

  • Support the Merchant across all core merchandising functions for the Fruit of the Loom business.
  • Serve as liaison and administrative support working directly with Fruit of the Loom Corp, including managing meeting agendas, following up on licensing items, tracking progress against deadlines, and supporting the relationship between AAI and licensees.
  • Assist in developing the Fruit Ladies and Fresh line plans; support the ongoing assortment by tracking performance, identifying gaps, and recommending style-level edits as the assortments evolve.
  • Help shape product strategy for the Brands by incorporating market trends, consumer insights, and brand positioning.

Manage the Merchandise Lifecycle Calendar

  • Schedule cross-functional milestone meetings in alignment with the merchandise lifecycle calendar for all brands.
  • Work with the MLC – Executive Team to manage, maintain, and communicate all calendar dates and deliverables to the cross-functional teams. 
  • Maintain MLC SharePoint site integrity and standards.
  • Partner with the cross-functional teams on the management and development of standard templates used in each milestone meeting.
  • Collaborate with design, production, and marketing teams to ensure timely product information to support new product launches.
  • Update internal MLC according to retailer date changes.

Sales & Trend Analysis

  • Prepare and maintain reports on sales performance and market trends to guide future product strategies.
  • Assist in developing product presentations and merchandising plans for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support the planning and execution of product promotions and clearance events.

Market Research & Analysis

  • Support the Director, Merchandising with market research and competitive analysis to inform assortment planning and development.
  • Track competitive promotional activity and provide insights for future initiatives.
  • Become a Helium10 platform superuser, generating monthly and ad-hoc reports.
  • Maintain a library of competitive market best seller samples in the New York office.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business, Fashion, or related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in merchandising, retail, or a related field, preferably in the apparel industry.
  • Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; ERP and PLM experience a plus.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

What We Offer

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, which includes:

·      Excellent medical, dental & vision coverage

·      401(k) with a Company match

·      Paid vacation and holidays (and your birthday off too!)

·      Health reimbursement account

·      Disability Insurance

·      Maternity and Parental Leave

·      Group Life Insurance

Ariela & Associates is an EEO employer. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual’s age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy) or sexual orientation, gender expression, military status, marital status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability or membership in any other protected class under applicable law.

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