Merchandise Manager - Talbots

The primary responsibility of the Merchandise Manager is to develop, implement and lead the execution of merchandising strategies for key departments. The person in this role must have demonstrated experience blending business trends, customer insights and the competitive marketplace to drive product growth and financial results. The person in this role will be a highly collaborative cross functional partner and leader.   The Merchandise Manager with oversee and be responsible for the growth and development of Merchants, Associates and Assistant.

What We Offer:

• Growth! Here at Talbots our goal is to give you the opportunities to grow with us. Our Performance Feedback Program allows for healthy career conversations and goal setting throughout the year.
• Condensed Work Week! If we have no work obligations and have fulfilled our 40-hour week, our Life-Work balance approach allows for us to start our weekend at 1pm on Fridays.
• Complete Benefit Package! Our benefits kick off the first day of the month after your start date! Discover more about our full benefits package here. We have competitive time off, including paid time to volunteer within the community.
• Merchandise Discounts! Our associates receive 50% off Talbots and select Haven Well Within brand items. Additionally, you may also be eligible for discounts at the brands across KnitWell Group.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop merchandising vision for key categories with accountability to lead and develop a strong team and ensure collaboration with cross functional partners.
• Plan and implement merchandise strategies for the fiscal year. Manage and support merchant staff for a single end use/classification on the achievement of overall financial goals.
• Drive strategy and business decisions with both an eye for fashion and a data analytical approach
• Collaborate closely with cross functional business partners (Sourcing, Planning, Design and Allocation) to ensure financial goals and KPI’s are met.
• Merchandise and maintain product assortment for key categories. Monitor business and fashion trends, customer demand, seasonal variations as well as historical classification performance to determined opportunities and growth trajectory.
• Monitor category, classification and key item plans where applicable weekly and monthly to identify sales trend and style performance.
• Identify areas of opportunity for catalog, retail and web by analyzing, understanding and reacting to KPI’s.
• Read and react to current business, market trends and macro environment to affect future on-order. Work closely with business partners to align and execute with a strategic and financially responsible approach.
• Partner with visual, marketing and ecommerce to ensure the look and feel of stores, catalogs and online is consistent with merchandising direction while protecting category financial.
• Enhance and strengthen Talbot’s position in the market to drive long-term growth
• Develop in-depth knowledge of the customer, anticipating her demands and determining what is “next” by closely following consumer behavior patterns. aspirations, influences and relationship to the brand.
• Manage the career and skills development of a team of many different levels to ensure job satisfaction, retention and growth.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 10+ years of Merchandising experience
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Possess strong communication and analytical skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Cross functional leadership experience driving and implementing new initiatives with proven track record.
• Ability to think objectively and quickly to make smart and logical business decisions.
• Able to effectively present ideas and direction to others
• Able to build strong relationships with a diverse group of business partners.