AE - Merchandising Team Leader (Assistant Manager)

AEO; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

AEO seeks a full-time Merchandising Team Leader in Madison, WI, to support store management and enhance merchandising strategies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, exceptional guest service, and the ability to drive sales through effective team training and operational excellence.

Benefits

40% off AE and Aerie products year-round

Opportunities for growth and career advancement

Seasonal discounts

Participation in contests for free merchandise

Qualifications

• Previous retail management experience leading teams.
• Flexible availability to work during guest shopping hours.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales as a Leader on Duty maximizing productivity.
• Coach the team on merchandising and guest experiences.
• Recruit and develop strong talent for the store.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Multitasking

Time management

Leadership

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. You are passionate about training and coaching your team to become excellent merchants who consistently meet AEO brand Visual standards. Your leadership ensures successful floorset execution and maintains high merchandising and marketing standards. You also ensure the store is always "guest ready" through effective replenishment. Most importantly, you embody our company values and bring your authentic self to work daily.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Driving sales: As a Leader on Duty (LOD), you excel at maximizing Fitting Room and Salesfloor productivity and fostering guest loyalty through exceptional guest experiences. You analyze reports and trends to make strategic decisions and assist in developing business plans to meet KPIs.
• Merchandising innovation: You coach your team to deliver an outstanding guest experience and ensure the store reflects AEO Brand Standards. You oversee daily merchandising, sell-through adjustments, and replenishment, always ready to act on merchandising opportunities.
• People leadership: You motivate and inspire your team, embodying AEO's core values. You set an example in delivering excellent customer service both on the Salesfloor and in the Fitting Room.
• Talent development: You prioritize recruiting and hiring strong talent, and you invest in training and developing your team to provide outstanding service.
• Teamwork and performance management: You provide ongoing feedback, conduct team touchbases, development plans, and performance reviews, and celebrate successes to boost engagement.
• Operational excellence: You execute daily operations efficiently, support visual standards, and ensure the Fitting Rooms are guest-ready and aligned with Brand Standards.
• Integrity: You uphold store safety, asset protection, adhere to policies, 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 detail-oriented, with strong multitasking, prioritization, and time management skills.
• 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 growth, learning new skills, and career advancement.
• They receive 40% off AE and Aerie products year-round, plus seasonal discounts.
• They can participate in contests to win free merchandise and prizes.