Assistant Merchandise Manager

The Assistant Merchandise Manager will support the Merchandise Manager, in all aspects of product development, assortment planning and communication. The Assistant Merchandise Manager is also accountable for assortment planning, pricing, cost negotiations and all channel placement through the entire product lifecycle. This position plays a key role in contributing to the achievement sales and margin goals by achieving the financial goals and strategic objectives of an area of the business.

Major responsibilities of the position are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties, assignments and specific projects may be assigned at the discretion of executive management

• Support product development, internal and external; assortment planning; and profitability goals of the department providing timely analyses and accurate reporting.
• Support Merchandise Managers in communicating related product information to all cross functional partners (Marketing, Operations, Customer Service, Product Development).
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate actions to remove low contributing products from the assortment.
• Ensure company and vendor deadlines are met through timely communication and asset acquisition (photo samples, product information, enclosures, product tasting samples).
• Partner with inventory management team to assure that products are delivered in a timely manner to minimize out of stocks and lost sales.
• Manage all system requirements, including assortment planning, item set ups, product information, price changes, others as needed.
• Track and evaluate expiring merchandise; prepare recommendations for appropriate action to resolve immediate issues and eliminate expiring product in the future.
• Maintain current knowledge and understanding of key competitor’s product and promotional trends and best merchandising practices in catalog, online, and direct marketing channels.
• Manage vendor relationships and external partner communication.
• Assist in working with sourcing to ensure that the proper tonnage of grapes and correct varietals are sourced based on current and future sales trends.
• Assist in working with winemakers to ensure wine is produced to H&D Standards and is approved to bottle.
• Assist in submitting Harry & David wines to industry competitions.
• Be available for local competitions when needed by securing OLCC license to pour and present at these events.
• Update job knowledge by participating in conferences, trade shows, and educational opportunities as appropriate; reading professional publications; maintaining professional networks.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A Bachelor's Degree in Merchandising, Business or a related field or equivalent experience.
• 1-3 years related experience in project management or a buying department.
• Experience in wine, specialty foods or luxury goods retail desired.
• Ability to analyze reports and draw conclusions/ recommendations.
• Strong coordination skills, ability to multi-task and manage to a deadline.
• Ability to work with multiple teams, vendors, partners and management.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills, particularly in Excel required.
• Strong presentation skills required. Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people and with all levels of management.

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.

• Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services.
• Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture, acquisition, and distribution of goods and services.
• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words,…