Merchant, Footwear and Accessories - Hollister job at Abercrombie & Fitch in Columbus, OH

Title: Merchant, Footwear & Accessories - Hollister Location: Global Home Job Description: Full time job requisition id JR100313 Job Description: Merchandising is the central function setting the course for our brands’ product; the hub of the wheel that ensures all teams are moving in the right direction to deliver a beautiful, compelling and profitable assortment. Working hand-in-hand with our design, visual, and planning teams, merchants are the bridge between the strategy and creative direction of their line. Our merchandising teams possess a blend of analytical ability and creative thinking, drawing from historical data and market trends to craft an assortment that stays true to our brands and excites our customer. This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.   What Will You Be Doing?  Contributing to the assortment strategy of an emerging brand by influencing decisions at every stage of the product lifecycle; from concept and product development, to buying and pricing, to product placement, marketing and promotions.  Collaborating with our internal partners and external vendors to create product that is on-trend and right for our customer.  Ensure that vendor relations are optimal i.e., getting the best possible prices, quality and deliveries with an appropriate level of “partnership” from the Market. Working closely with Planning and Inventory Management to drive a strategy that maximizes key areas of the business and meets the financial targets of the category and total brand.  Serving as the expert in current selling analysis and historical selling knowledge for your department.  Diving into the interests and preferences of our customer by observing shopping patterns, active lifestyle behaviors, shopping our competitors, seeking out feedback from our stores, and monitoring media platforms.  Identifying emerging fashion trends in the market by monitoring fashion weeks, runway shows, blogs, and aspirational brands, and interpreting these ideas for our customer.   Presenting to senior leadership, including presentations on selling analysis, business strategies, style information and trend ideas.    What Do You Need To Bring?  A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience   5+ years of Merchandising or Buying experience, with an emphasis on footwear, jewelry, or accessories Proven leadership experience and ability to thrive in team-based settings  Passion for the merchant role, fashion retail and the Abercrombie & Fitch brand  A deep understanding of sales analysis and financial metrics that relate to your business  Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently to leadership  A high comfort-level with analytical sales tools and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications  A collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand  Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed by the department    Our Company   Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.  The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com.  At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.     Benefits & Perks   As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:   Incentive bonus program  Annual companywide review process  Flexible spending accounts  Medical, dental and vision insurance  Life and disability insurance  Associate assistance program  Paid parental and adoption leave  Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot  Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace  Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community  Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year)  Seven associate wellness half days per year  Merchandise discount on all of our brands  Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within  Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups  Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!  Company Description Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs. The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie brands and Hollister brands, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com and hollisterco.com. Learn more about A&F Co. by visiting our corporate website here. ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.