Merchant – Aerie

Title: Merchant – Aerie

Reports To: Merchant Manager

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

About Aerie

Aerie is a fast-growing lifestyle brand offering the comfiest intimates, apparel, swim and accessories made to wear in and out. Aerie Real stands for inclusivity and real representation. We celebrate our community by advocating for power, positivity and no retouching. Always & forever REAL™.

Get to Know the Role:

Lead a cross-functional team that delivers consistent results in product innovation, sales, margin and inventory turn. Drive strategy, innovation and development of a trend right/brand right Omni Channel product assortment for assigned category /department that meets the needs of the Aerie customer.

What You’ll Do:

• Establish, drive and execute a strategic Omni product vision and business plan through effective communication and coordination with cross-functional business partners inclusive of design, international merchandising, planning, etc.
• Work closely with Design team to interpret and forecast trends for assigned areas through the Aerie customer lens. Develop and assort trend right and brand right product. Drive product innovation.
• Understand (at all times) competition and marketplace inclusive of Brick and Mortar AND Digital competition. Make brand right and informed decisions for assigned departments/categories based upon the competitive landscape/marketplace and the needs of the Aerie customer.
• In partnership with the planning team, establish seasonal strategic plans for sales, markdowns, inventory, and growth opportunity. Effectively manage in-season business to maximize topline sales and minimize markdowns. Work in conjunction with planning to manage the Open-to-Buy as far as receipts, sales, margin, markdowns, and Weeks of Supply.
• Analyze performance and plans constantly to look for sales and margin opportunities to exceed plan; quickly adapt and respond to changes/trends occurring in the business and in the marketplace.
• Develop and drive test and react strategy across all channels.
• Effectively and efficiently run business meetings to ensure objectives and deadlines are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Able to work in a hybrid environment, meaning that some work may be performed remotely but certain essential functions must be performed in-person/in-office based on the needs of the business.
• In person/in-office collaboration is required, the frequency of such in-person/in-office collaboration (e.g., portion of week, entire week) is dictated by business needs. Such collaboration includes work centralized around product development, milestone meetings, approvals, etc.

KEY BUSINESS PARTNERS:

• Design
• Production
• Merchandise & Inventory Planning
• Business Strategies
• Marketing
• Site Merchandising

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or equivalent required.
• 5+ years prior buying experience from a specialty retailer.
• 5+ years experience in a leadership role.
• Ability to manage a cross functional team.
• Aggressive and passionate individual will be most successful in this and future roles.
• Keen sense of fashion exhibited through personal taste.
• Understanding of fashion designer labels and how to interpret their seasonal stories/messages for the Aerie 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.

Perks: Why You’ll Love it Here

• Generous Associate Discount: Treat yourself to the best our brands offer!
• Summer Fridays (For Pittsburgh, NYC and Remote Corporate Associates): More time for the sun and the weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• Casual Dress Code: Come as you are (and stay comfy).
• Hybrid Schedule: Enjoy a blend of home-office focus and in-office collaboration.
• In-Person Connection: While we love our digital tools, we love our people even more! To keep our culture thriving, in-person presence is required at one of our Pittsburgh or NYC headquarters, distribution centers or field locations for interviews, orientation and periodic quarterly meetups.
• FOMO (Fun Office Moments Only) Events: Exciting company-wide events you won’t want to miss!

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.