AE - Merchandising Team Leader (Assistant Manager)

AEO; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company is seeking a full-time Merchandising Team Leader who will support the Store Team Leader in driving sales and enhancing guest experiences. This role emphasizes training and coaching team members while maintaining brand standards in merchandising and operational efficiency. Candidates should have retail management experience and a passion for AE and Aerie products.

Benefits

40% off products year-round

Opportunities for development and career growth

Participation in contests for exclusive prizes

Qualifications

• Previous retail management experience leading teams.
• Knowledge of employment law.
• Flexible availability to work when guests shop.

Responsibilities

• Maximize Fitting Room and Salesfloor productivity.
• Coach team to uphold AEO Brand Standards.
• Manage operational procedures and ensure store safety.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Prioritization

Time management

Business acumen

Job description

YOUR ROLE As the full-time Merchandising Team Leader, you are the Store Team Leader's key support in developing and implementing the store's Merchandising strategy. Your passion lies in training and coaching your team to become excellent merchants, consistently delivering AEO brand Visual standards. You ensure floorset execution is flawless and that merchandising and marketing standards are met. You also maintain a 'guest ready' store through effective replenishment. Most importantly, you embody our company values and bring your authentic self to work every day.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Driving sales: As a Leader on Duty, you maximize Fitting Room and Salesfloor productivity, build guest loyalty through an exceptional guest experience, and analyze store reports and trends to inform strategic decisions. You support the development of business plans to achieve key KPIs.
• Merchandising innovation: You coach your team to uphold AEO Brand Standards, manage day-to-day merchandising, sell-through, and replenishment, and proactively identify merchandising opportunities with actionable plans.
• People leadership: You motivate and inspire your team following AEO's core values, serve as a role model, and ensure high standards of customer service on the Salesfloor and in the Fitting Room.
• Talent development: You prioritize recruiting and hiring strong talent, and focus on training and developing your team to deliver outstanding service.
• Teamwork: You provide ongoing performance feedback, conduct team touchbases, develop performance plans, and celebrate successes to boost engagement.
• Operational innovation: You execute daily operational procedures, maintain visual standards, and ensure the Fitting Rooms are always guest-ready and aligned with Brand Standards.
• Integrity: You uphold store safety, adhere to Asset Protection standards, follow policies and procedures, and always do the right thing.

YOU'D BE GREAT FOR THIS ROLE IF:

• You love AE and Aerie products!
• You have previous retail management experience leading teams.
• You are skilled at multi-tasking, attention to detail, prioritization, and time management.
• You know how to lead, develop teams, and understand employment law.
• You possess business acumen.
• You have flexible availability to work when guests shop.

OUR ASSOCIATES LOVE AEO BECAUSE:

• They work with genuine people — your #AEOFamily.
• They have opportunities for development, learning new skills, and career growth.
• They receive 40% off products year-round at AE & Aerie, with seasonal discounts during Floorsets.
• They can participate in contests for chances to win merchandise and exclusive prizes.