SUMMARYWe are seeking a dynamic Merchandising Manager to join our Product Management team. In this lead merchant role, you will support the overall assortment strategy, inventory management, and product life cycle for a highly SKU-intensive business with a diverse portfolio of product categories and in-house manufacturing. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
This hands-on role involves managing day-to-day tasks, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, markdowns, buy planning, receipt plans, store allocation strategies, gross margin, and overall inventory management. You will have a significant impact on new product development and growth, focusing on meeting consumer needs and differentiating from the competition.
We're seeking candidates who are enthusiastic about learning, making a difference and are motivated by contributing to our success as we continue to innovate and grow in a competitive market.
LOCATIONFort Worth, Texas (in office a minimum of 3 days)
REPORTS TOSr. Director, Product Management MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES- Define product needs by classification/hierarchy to align with company objectives and manage the product assortment within a financial framework that meets or exceeds sales and margin plans.
- Maintain inventory levels based on open-to-buy, inventory turn, sales plans, and key budget/financial metrics.
- Create and execute an overarching product development approach that includes competitive assessment, a deep understanding of consumers and their end uses, and identifying new product categories or segments for profitable growth.
- Source, buy, and successfully launch products into retail stores in collaboration with new and existing vendors and the R&D manager.
- Drive growth and inventory management with the Commercial Sales division based on quick-turn/high-volume orders.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, store operations, etc.) to communicate big ideas, key investments, strategies, and execution plans for stores.
- Understand the competitive set, including pricing and key messaging, and use this knowledge to drive retail execution.
- Translate product strategies into action plans and execute them to achieve division and department goals.
- Build relationships with vendors/suppliers through effective communication, collaboration, and planning.
- Monitor and track sales and sell-through weekly, reporting key findings and action plans during business reviews with management. Identify how current trends will impact future results and adjust as needed.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends.
- Demonstrate a commitment to quality by reporting and reacting to returns data and customer feedback.
- Manage purchase orders with the direct report of a purchasing assistant, ensuring on-time delivery and system accuracy.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS- 5-7+ years of general merchandising experience
- Deep knowledge of retail landscapes managing complex categories within an omni-channel environment
- Experience in maintaining inventory levels based on financial metrics
- Demonstrated success in product development, sourcing, and supplier management
- Proven ability to align product needs with company objectives and manage assortments within financial targets
- Innovative thinker who synthesizes consumer insights, trends and competitive analysis to make informed product decisions
- High energy, self-starter with the ability to manage quick turnaround situations demonstrating problem-solving skills, the ability to work within the grey in a high-performance environment
- Possesses the ability to manage up, down and across with results
- Strong leadership and mentorship skills, managing direct reports and delegating effectively
- Balanced creative and analytical thinking
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Ability to learn and utilize in-house systems
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYOur Company is committed to equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical and/or mental disability, age, creed, arrest records, genetic predisposition or carrier status, and/or participation in lawful activities outside the workplace.
ABOUT TANDYTandy Leather Factory, Inc., (http://www.tandyleather.com), headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a specialty retailer of a broad product line including leather, leatherworking tools, buckles and adornments, leather dyes and finishes, saddle and tack hardware, and do-it-yourself kits. Tandy Leather distributes its products through its 106 North American stores located in 40 US states and 6 Canadian provinces, and one International store located in Spain.