Merchant (Special Projects)

ABOUT YOUR NEW ROLE

At Herschel Supply Co, our Merchant team is responsible for creating, curating, and bringing product strategies to life through global and DTC product assortments. Merchants have a deep understanding of the global Herschel Supply consumer and what drives their need for new and exciting products. Merchants work closely with Design and Demand Planning departments to build collections that are both brand-building and commercially successful at both wholesale and direct to consumer (DTC) channels (ecommerce and brick and mortar). This role focusses on Special Projects.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Our workplace is dynamic, supportive, and entrepreneurial in spirit, and we pride ourselves in being a collaborative, open-minded and imaginative team.

On a day-to-day basis, the Merchant will:

• Lead the successful creation and maintenance of all Special Projects and Licensing categories that aligns with company strategy and goals.
• Deliver profitable product assortments that meet and exceed company targets for revenue and margin.
• Own the pre-season planning process by analyzing past successes, market gaps, and total business needs.
• Develop and optimize seasonal line plan for each business channel, ensuring global and regional category needs are met.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to efficiently adapt strategies and manage the product lifecycle for all Special Projects including introduction, in-season success, and eventual phase-out.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the contemporary accessory and apparel market and trends and use competitive analysis to drive informed design and development decisions.
• Initiate new development briefs and ensure that the design intent of each new product is translated from ideation to commercialization.
• Manage SKU setup, conduct pricing analyses, and oversee approvals in Product Lifecycle Management software for all Special Projects and Licensing products.
• Work alongside product developers and the creative team to design packaging and hangtags for all Special Projects and Licensing products.
• Oversee licensed inventory products and issue reminders about contract terminations. Collaborate with other teams to devise a retirement plan that is consistent with the organization's strategic objectives and goals.
• Communicate category assortment to all stakeholders to drive consistent Merchandising messages globally and on DTC channels.
• Bring strong product stories to life in partnership with Brand and Marketing teams.
• Partner with Demand Planning team to provide intel for global forecasting and inventory planning.

ABOUT YOU

• BA, BSc, BBA, BComm (or equivalent), specialization in Retail or Merchandising Management an asset 
• Minimum three years of Merchandising or Buying experience is required. Vertical retail and/or omni channel experience is an asset  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Program, especially excel. Preferred experience in Product Lifecycle Management software and in Adobe Illustrator 
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret multiple data points across numerous channels and market segments  
• Financial acumen and understanding of retail terms and math
• Ability to balance analytical and creative thinking
• Ability to interpret and apply financial insights on current business success and leverage insights to guide and inform future product decisions
• Strong understanding of global marketplace and keen eye for product trends
• Strong written and verbal communication skills along with the ability to articulate product and business proposals clearly to senior leadership
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing tasks, and operate in an agile multifaceted workplace
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YOUR JOURNEY WITH HERSCHEL SUPPLY

The annual salary for this role falls within the range of $70,000 - $90,000 CAD. We welcome diverse talents, and if you don't feel like you tick all the boxes yet in terms of experience, we'll consider adjusting the scope of work and salary range to align with your individual strengths. In addition to base salary, here are just a few of the additional perks we offer to our valued team members as part of our comprehensive total compensation package:

• Health benefits
• Hybrid working environment
• Generous discounts on our products
• Competitive vacation policy
• Weekly fitness sessions including yoga
• Professional development subsidy
• Office snacks and hot and cold beverages
• Weekly happy hour
• Maternity leave top-up for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Employee assistance program
• A dog friendly office
• Ad-hoc employee events