Associate Merchant

Description

Your Role

The Associate Merchant is responsible for directly supporting senior merchandising team members & a category of business to develop product plans in accordance with the season’s strategy in a specific product category for the stores and digital channel. They may assume increased responsibility for merchandise category to deliver or exceed volume and profit goals. This position researches customer trends, product history, competitive intelligence, fashion trends, and analyzes sales.

Why You Belong Here

At Victoria’s Secret, we acknowledge your value. We recognize that every associate has something unique to add to our brand and business. We strive to recruit, retain, and advance diverse talent that reflects the customers we serve and the communities where we live and work. We foster a culture where everyone belongs because we know our business thrives most when we look for, listen to, and amplify diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We place the customer at the heart of everything we do. We dream big, embrace curiosity and creativity while always learning from our mistakes. We lead with integrity, trust, and respect to achieve the best outcomes as one team.

Your Impact

System Management & Execution

Accountable for accuracy of product detail through excellent execution and management of assortment documentation and communication, with emphasis on MAT tool execution

Customer

Consistently demonstrate an ability to turn Customer insight into actionable recommendations as it relates to assortment strategyBe the voice of the customer through store visits/travel, market distortions, and new product launchesBe in or communicating with stores on a weekly basis to gain customer feedback and business insightsUnderstand the customer’s lifestyle by staying on top of trends, social media, and pop culture as it specifically relates to the customerUtilize customer insights to support the evolution of the product to continue to build an emotional connection with the customerLead competitive patterning (i.e., focus groups, share of drawer, campus visits, etc.) in order to understand the current competition/market trends and influence product strategy while making business recommendations

Product

Consistently demonstrate an ability to turn product insight into actionable recommendations as it relates to assortment strategy and influence the evolution of potential new categories to fill customer’s needsLead key meeting prep with sample availability, style & color ranking, deck preparation, and ad hoc requests and analysis, always staying agile and flexibleResponsible for ongoing trend analysis and reporting, inclusive of competitive landscape & competitive patterning Support ideation and execution of a robust testing agenda to identify and unlock future growth opportunities

Financial

Understand financial parameters and applications needed to drive category resultsLeverage and analyze core financial reporting tools necessary to read and provide business insights (i.e. color report, placemats)Providing style and collection level insights as to what is working and not working within the assortment and propose actions based on insightsUnderstanding and bringing attention to channel-specific selling nuances within the assortmentRemain curious about category financials and performance while seeking to understand and apply metrics in regards to product performancePartners with Merchandise Planning on seasonal category strategies

Collaboration & Relationship-Building

Lead and demonstrate strong cross-functional partnerships with clear and accurate communication while demonstrating company valuesActively participate in weekly cross functional meetings and callsRelationship building by demonstrating corporate culture & values of inclusivity, open-mindedness, collaboration, and positive intentLead and demonstrate company values of Love the Customer, Passion with Purpose, Better Together, DEI is EverythingConsistently react with urgency while comprehending overall strategy

Talent

Identify and regularly meet with an internal mentorResponsible for driving own development plan in partnership with leaderActively seek and take action on feedback from all levels to enable growth and development in roleActively participates in the selection, on-boarding and development of Assistant MerchantsMay indirectly supervise and coach the Assistant Merchant to achieve performance objectives

Click here for benefit details related to this position.

Minimum Salary: $71,500.00

Maximum Salary: $94,500.00

VS&Co provides a range of compensation for this role as shown. Your actual salary will be determined by a number of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic region, or other relevant factors.

Qualifications

Your Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration or relevant area2-4 years of experience in merchandising or relevant experience

Additional Preferred Experience

Strong understanding of vertically integrated retail operationsBroad-based business acumen with the potential to grow to the Merchant levelHigh intelligence with a true entrepreneurial risk mentality, strong analytical and strategic thinking skillsAcute sense of brand and customer intimacyAcute fashion sense with proven talent to envision and interpret fashion trendsProficient in conflict management and problem-solvingExceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationshipsStrong organizational skillsAbility to multi-task and prioritizeDemonstrated ability in communication, presentation, negotiating and influencing skillsAbility to lead and inspire with unquestionable integrity and trustSystems and computer proficiency (MS Office, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel)

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not make employment decisions based on an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, protected Veteran status or any other legally protected status, and we comply with all laws concerning non-discriminatory employment practices. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for associates and job applicants with disabilities. We only hire individuals authorized for employment in the United States.