Senior Merchant - Sweaters & Tops - Forever 21
Los Angeles, CA 90079
About the Job
Forever 21 has been a leader in the global fast fashion market since its humble beginnings in Downtown LA. Today we operate 350+ stores across the USA and a robust e-commerce platform. Forever 21 is a powerhouse. Our mission is to inspire individual self-expression through amazing fashion and our DNA is rooted in Inclusivity, Customer-Centricity, and Accessibility.
With a renewed focus on the customer experience, we offer high-style designs and fashion basics with compelling values and a dynamic store environment. Whether we’re collaborating with your favorite brands, and influencers or setting trends - we are always striving to make Forever 21 your go-to fashion destination to shop, work, and play!
Join us – tomorrow is yours to define… Forever!
Under the general direction of the Buying Manager or DMM, the Senior Merchant will be responsible for developing, executing, and communicating a financially sound product strategy for procuring merchandise assortments that will be representative of the brand. The Sr. Merchant will work to create the appropriate merchandise mix based on emerging market trends, along with meeting the assortment strategies established by management.
Responsibilities:- Create and execute a merchandise assortment plan that supports the financial, merchandising, and marketing objectives set by senior management
- Participate in weekly open-to-buy meetings with Planning & Allocation and provide technical feedback and analysis to ensure the department achieves financial targets for turn and sell-through goals
- Create a financially sound product strategy for creating an assortment that targets a wide consumer range
- Negotiate product quality, purchase quantity, landed cost, and delivery with vendors
- Procure samples from vendors and in-house designers for style out reviews
- Partner with the Planning department to create Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU) plans that adhere to the company’s financial strategies in order to have an efficient assortment plan
- Determine and maintain the Initial Mark-up per category ensuring that the assortments comply with mark-up and retail cost matrix goals established by Management
- Coordinate with cross-functional partners such as Production, Design, and Trend &Print in order to make sure designs are adoptable, costs are measured, and concepts are clearly defined
- Train, develop, and mentor the Assistant Merchant, Associate Merchant and /or Merchant to ensure that financial and product goals are met.
- Must have a BFA or related degree
- Must have at least 5-7 years of buying experience in a specialty retail environment
- Proven track record of success as an Apparel or Non Apparel buyer
- Must possess the ability to understand and act upon financial retail indicators such as sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, sell-through and turn
- Must be able to effectively communicate with Management and subordinates
- Must exhibit strong leadership and management capabilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required
Why we think you’ll love it here…
At Forever 21, we foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. In addition to our comprehensive benefits package which you can find at https://sparcbenefits.com/Candidate-Benefits-Highlights, you will unlock competitive Paid Time Off for personal, sick, and vacation time each year, enjoy most national holidays (paid), enjoy a flexible work schedule with our current hybrid policy for most corporate roles, free onsite parking and gym access in DTLA as well as eligibility to participate in our annual bonus incentive program to name a few.
We actively encourage our current and future employees to:
Unleash your style - where your self-expression and creativity inspire others. Employees can take advantage of our relaxed corporate dress code showing up in a way that makes them feel comfortable, stylish, and unique!
Embrace your individuality – we value the diverse perspectives, talents, and backgrounds that make each person one-of-a-kind. We celebrate what makes you exceptional!
Own your Journey- Where personal & professional growth goes hand in hand. Embrace your journey, learn, adapt, and make a lasting impact. At Forever 21, you will have the opportunity to grow your retail career from stores to corporate and across our portfolio of brands under our parent, Sparc Group LLC!
ADDITIONAL DATA
The salary range for this position is $88,393 - $106,707 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to position offered and work experience.In addition to your salary, Forever 21, and its affiliated brands, offers a benefits package, including 401(k) plan, overtime pay, flexible work schedule and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility). Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found in the Benefits Guide that is available in our Human Resources Department.
Employees are expected to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and applicable state disability laws, it is the policy of SPARC to provide a reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If a reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our Human Resources department.