Job Description:

About the RoleThe Associate Product Merchandiser, Footwear will become a key driver of a specific business. They are responsible for developing the category strategy, managing the look and feel of the product line and delivering to the financial and efficiency targets of the category. Partner with product managers with overall organization, samples, line planning, product strategy, development process, and launch activities. Evaluate business analysis of product categories as well as develop knowledge of products including current line, upcoming launch seasons, and those in the development pipeline. In this position you will be trained to be a key driver of a specific business responsible for developing the category strategy, managing the look and feel of the product line and delivering to the financial and efficiency targets of the category. You'll Make a Difference ByResponsible for managing a category - subject to review of the category leadMaking decisions for the category subject to review and approvalDeveloping footwear product line vision and strategy that integrates with the overall long-term vision for the ARIAT brandIdentifying market opportunity for Ariat in various market segmentsTaking primary responsibility for maintaining and updating all merchandising-related documents utilized by the product managerTaking lead in managing product samples for the Product ManagerPartnering with PM team with pricing, margin-related initiatives and accuracy of all printed & online materialsHandling packaging for the Product ManagerOverseeing product assortment and support with marketing and tradeshow coordinatorsGathering market data via selling reports, industry publications, events, and shows to help identify and expand on Ariat market opportunitiesSupporting Product Manager in creating the strategy to present to product teams including: product boards, focus groups, event participation, competitive pricing analysis, and customer profilesParticipating in product brainstorms and assist in set up of project list and briefs in support of project listPresenting product to various groups of company VPs and sales team membersPerforming market research of various brands both western and mainstream - keeping a pulse on western brand launches and brand sitesBe the centric & SAP master- support PM on all centric and SAP requirementsCollaborating and help articulate target consumer demographics, psychographics and how Ariat footwear will fulfill "unmet needs" Product Line Planning:Collaborate and help create and manage seasonal merchandising plans and manage projects through the development process.Partner with seasonal market research and brainstormingPartner with seasonal merchandising plansPartner with seasonal creative product briefsPartner with PM with management of line reviews, pre-linesmarket feedback, final line decisions and launch plans. Marketing:Responsible to deliver data for packaging, hangtags, catalog, web site, and B2BCoordinate with Product Manager to ensure product is correct and available for photo shoots requirementsPartner with Product Manager with prep for sales meetings, events, and customer visits.Manage requesting and accuracy of Product Sell Sheets. Sales Support:Contact Sales Reps for follow up on product meetingsAttend pre-lines on an as needed basis Business Management:Analyze each season's selling by style and color as well as channel distribution.Partner with Product Manager to identify close out or phase out opportunities and plan lifecycles of productComplete weekly and monthly analysis on bookings About YouBachelor's degree or equivalent work experience requiredAdapts quickly to change and growthMaintains a professional and collaborative work environment with othersRequires problem-solving skills through gathering information and feedback from management and team membersAbility to multitask and adjust to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environmentPossesses and executes exceptional organizational and communication skillsExhibits exceptional writing skillsWorks within a collaborative Team EnvironmentMaintains Exceptional Interpersonal skillsCritical thinking and strategic planning needed to execute Principal Duties of positionComplies with company policies and proceduresProficiency in MS Office, especially ExcelKnowledge of English riding a plus, but not necessaryInterest in product merchandising and fashion preferredDetail-oriented About AriatAriat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style. The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $78,000 per year. The salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic locations. Ariat in good faith believes that this posted compensation range is accurate for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future. Ariat's holistic benefits package for full-time team members includes (but is not limited to):Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance optionsExpanded wellness and mental health benefitsPaid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid volunteer days401(k) with company matchBonus incentive plansTeam member discount on Ariat merchandise Note: Availability of benefits may be subject to location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. Ariat reserves the right to alter these benefits in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.Please note that Ariat does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agreement, Ariat will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiteragency placement fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed Agreement, Ariat explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted directly to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Ariat.