Sr Merchandiser

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Full-Time Rosemont, IL, US

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually

The Senior Merchandiser is responsible for developing and executing seasonal line plan architecture within their assigned Area of Responsibility (AOR), overseeing the full product life cycle from concept through market execution. This role supports one to two brands and may manage and develop Assistant Merchandisers. The Senior Merchandiser partners cross-functionally with Design, Sales, Sourcing, and Operations to deliver compelling, profitable assortments aligned with brand and customer strategies.

• Lead development of seasonal line plan architecture for assigned brand(s) / category, translating business objectives, consumer insights, and market trends into a clear product strategy
• Drive category strategy by identifying white space opportunities, emerging trends, and competitive insights to inform both seasonal and long-range product direction
• Own assortment architecture and SKU productivity by channel, balancing brand vision, customer needs, and financial objectives
• Analyze retail and eCommerce sales performance to identify opportunities, risks, and actionable insights that drive assortment, pricing, and product decisions
• Partner cross-functionally with Design, Sales, and Sourcing to develop a commercially viable and brand-right assortment across wholesale, eCommerce, and DTC channels
• Own margin and profitability targets by managing costing, pricing, and financial performance at the program level
• Lead seasonal product development from concept through adoption, ensuring alignment across design intent, consumer need, and business objectives
• Drive continuous improvement of merchandising processes, tools, and workflows (including PLM and calendar management) to increase speed, efficiency, and clarity across teams
• Prepare and lead sales meeting strategies, product storytelling, and presentation materials to support key account meetings, market weeks, and trade shows
• Oversee product development execution, including style set-up in PLM, adoption processes, and handoff to sourcing and production teams
• Partner closely with global suppliers and factories to manage development timelines, costing, and product quality, ensuring adherence to specifications and deadlines
• Manage and maintain seasonal calendars, ensuring all milestones, deliverables, and cross-functional dependencies are met
• Mentor and support the development of junior team members while influencing cross-functional partners to drive alignment and execution
• Leverage digital tools and emerging AI technologies to enhance merchandising insights, forecasting accuracy, and decision-making
• Maintain strong communication across global teams, ensuring transparency, alignment, and timely follow-through on all development milestones

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising, product development, design, or a related consumer products field.
• Accessories merchandising or design experience required.

• Strong technical knowledge of raw materials, product construction, and manufacturing processes
• Deep understanding of the end-to-end product development lifecycle, including PLM systems and cross-functional handoff processes
• Proven ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and business acumen, with the ability to translate data, consumer insights, and market trends into actionable product and financial decisions
• Experience influencing cross-functional teams (Design, Sales, Sourcing) to drive alignment and execution across complex initiatives
• Understanding of assortment strategy across wholesale, eCommerce, and DTC channels
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including mentoring junior team members and driving accountability across teams
• Strong…