Merchant Import Operations Analyst

Overview

Position Overview The Merchant Import Operations Analyst serves as a subject‑matter expert and primary point of contact for merchants and vendors on import order execution processes and systems. The goal of this role is to connect merchants and the supply chain to improve how we import goods, ensuring accurate Estimated Landed Cost (ELC), streamlined and efficient import processing, and reliable data for decision‑making.

The Analyst partners closely with International Logistics, Supply Chain, PLM Systems, Legal, and Vendor Relations, supporting packaging/handling standards, container integrity insights, and MOS analytics to enhance product quality, compliance, and efficiency.

Position Overview The Merchant Import Operations Analyst serves as a subject‑matter expert and primary point of contact for merchants and vendors on import order execution processes and systems. The goal of this role is to connect merchants and the supply chain to improve how we import goods, ensuring accurate Estimated Landed Cost (ELC), streamlined and efficient import processing, and reliable data for decision‑making.

The Analyst partners closely with International Logistics, Supply Chain, PLM Systems, Legal, and Vendor Relations, supporting packaging/handling standards, container integrity insights, and MOS analytics to enhance product quality, compliance, and efficiency.

A Day In The Life

Import Process & Systems

• Own import‑related systems data sources (Import Toolbox: HTS, CBM, landing factors): set update cadence, define data standards, and approve minor lookup/scope changes within guardrails; manage change requests and maintain an audit trail.
• Onboard, train, and support vendors in the PLM system; serve as the point of contact for PLM‑related issues and merchant/vendor questions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline the merchant import order process, including ELC calculation (duty, commissions, freight, and other landing factors).

ELC Management & Reporting

• Own the ELC factor audit (duty, freight, agent commission, royalty, and other load factors): validate inputs, approve updates within tolerance thresholds, and publish versioned change notes to merchants.
• Approves ELC factor updates within predefined tolerances; owns ELC variance monitoring and the monthly margin‑impact report, defining alert thresholds and triggering merchant advisories when risk is detected.
• Build and refresh dashboards and trackers to support decision‑making (e.g., margin impact, duty exposure, freight changes).

Cross‑Functional Liaison Support

• Support liaison activities with Int’l Logistics/Imports, including communicating transit timelines and freight rate updates, escalating risks, and contributing to efficient import processing and accurate data flow.
• Partner with Finance and Import Treasury to identify and communicate issues that affect ELC reconciliation and related financial factors.
• Support liaison activities with Supply Chain by analyzing pre‑DC vendor processes and recommending improvements to vendor instructions to enhance inbound flow and prevent damage.
• Coordinate with Legal (as directed) on compliance‑driven programs (e.g., First Sale), ensuring clean handoffs, audit‑ready documentation, and adherence to communication protocols.

Compliance & Data Quality

• Establish and administer HTS and CBM data quality controls, including auditing and validation standards, to prevent landed‑cost discrepancies and ensure compliance.
• Govern import‑related vendor manual standards and content (packaging, shipping, compliance requirements), determining updates and effective dates in partnership with Vendor Relations and International Transportation.

Packaging, Carton & Container Integrity (Support)

• Support analysis of carton handling, container integrity, and packaging methods to minimize damage and reduce cost.
• Contribute to MOS (mark out of stock) reporting—identify upstream drivers tied to packaging and shipping; escalate insights and partner on mitigation actions.

Tools, Documentation & Training

• Set and maintain standards for import guides, quick references, and merchant/vendor training materials for import processes and systems (Bamboo Rose, Import…