Assistant Merchandiser (Special Projects, Collaboration & Collection)

EPG Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

EPG Group in New York, NY is seeking an Assistant Merchandiser – Special Projects, Collaboration & Collection to support budgeting, inventory, and logistics for the Collection business.

Reporting to the Merchandiser, Collection + Collaborations, you will engage with Merchandising, Design, Product Development, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing, PR, and external vendors to ensure timely execution of seasonal priorities.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in Merchandising, Buying, Planning, Business Operations, Retail Analytics, Product Merchandising, or a related field.
• Experience with budget entry, invoice reconciliation, and expense tracking.
• Experience supporting cross-functional projects in a fast-paced retail, fashion, or consumer products environment.
• Experience with inventory, sample operations, or product lifecycle processes preferred.
• Experience coordinating domestic and international shipments and logistics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support budgeting, invoicing, and financial tracking for Collection and Special Projects.
• Manage seasonal sample inventory and logistics with internal teams and vendors.
• Coordinate domestic and international shipments and related documentation.
• Develop market tools and materials to support market preparation and execution.
• Lead cross-functional project coordination and milestone tracking.

Skills

Budgeting

Invoice reconciliation

Inventory management

Sample logistics

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

Launchmetrics

Attention to detail

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising

Tools

Launchmetrics

Excel

Job description

EPG Group is a global leader in workforce solutions, partnering with innovative organizations to deliver exceptional talent worldwide. We are proud to support a Fortune 500 global fashion and lifestyle company renowned for its portfolio of iconic brands, strong heritage, and commitment to design excellence.

• Contract Duration: 1 Month (40 hours/week)
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Arrangement: On-site (4–5 days in office)
• Location: New York, NY 10018
• Employment Type: W2 Contract
• Start Date: ASAP
• Openings: 1

Role Description

As an Assistant Merchandiser – Special Projects, Collaboration & Collection, you will support the operational, analytical, and financial management of the Collection business and key global special projects. Reporting to the Merchandiser, Collection + Collaborations, you will serve as a central partner across Merchandising, Design, Product Development, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing, Public Relations, and external vendors to ensure the seamless execution of seasonal priorities.

This role is ideal for a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional who is comfortable managing budgets, invoices, inventory, sample logistics, and multiple projects in a fast-paced fashion environment.

Key Responsibilities

Budget Management & Financial Analysis

• Track and reconcile budgets across Collection and Special Projects.
• Manage invoice processing and payment timelines in partnership with Finance and vendors.
• Reconcile actual spending against forecasts and identify variances and potential risks.
• Coordinate bi-monthly budget reviews and provide visibility into spending and outstanding commitments.
• Maintain accurate financial documentation for audits and budget planning.

Sample & Inventory Management

• Manage seasonal sample inventory to ensure accurate tracking and visibility.
• Maintain sample organization and inventory through Launchmetrics and internal tracking systems.
• Coordinate sample requests and movement with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, PR, Marketing, and external partners.
• Support sample archiving, inventory audits, and sample lifecycle management.
• Track sample flow from development through market and post-market activities.

Logistics & Shipment Coordination

• Coordinate domestic and international sample shipments through DHL, WorldNet, FedEx, and other logistics providers.
• Manage shipping documentation, customs requirements, carnet coordination, and shipment tracking.
• Partner with Trade Compliance teams and logistics providers to resolve shipment issues and minimize delays.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and reporting documentation.

Market Preparation & Execution

• Develop and maintain global market tools and merchandising materials, including line sheets, pricing tools, line plans, presentations, and seasonal reports.
• Coordinate sample readiness and inventory accuracy for market.
• Ensure market tools, presentations, and supporting materials are complete and accurate.
• Maintain show and market invitation trackers and attendee confirmations.
• Maintain calendars for market appointments, sell-in meetings, stakeholder communications, and updates.
• Track market feedback, business opportunities, and follow-up actions.
• Reconcile order confirmations and market feedback following market.
• Prepare recap analyses and reporting to support future planning and assortment recommendations.

Cross-Functional Project Management

• Manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Serve as a key point of contact between Merchandising and cross-functional partners.
• Ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Participate in seasonal milestone meetings, sample reviews, budget reviews, and project status meetings.
• Proactively identify challenges, recommend solutions, and drive issues to resolution.
• Support evolving business priorities and ad hoc initiatives with a positive and team-oriented approach.

Qualifications

Experience

• 2–4 years of experience in Merchandising, Buying, Planning, Business Operations, Retail Analytics, Product Merchandising, or a related field.
• Experience with budget entry, invoice reconciliation, and expense tracking.
• Experience supporting cross-functional projects in a fast-paced retail, fashion, or consumer products environment.
• Experience with inventory, sample operations, or product lifecycle processes preferred.
• Experience coordinating domestic and international shipments and logistics preferred.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.

Skills

• Strong analytical and financial management skills.
• Proficiency in budget tracking, reconciliation, and expense management.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with inventory and sample management systems; Launchmetrics experience is a plus.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of merchandising and retail operations.
• Ability to coordinate logistics, shipments, and multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and eligible for W2 employment.
• Must be located in or able to commute to New York, NY.
• Must be available to work on-site 4–5 days per week.
• Must be available to start ASAP.
• Strong Excel and organizational skills are required.
• Experience with budget tracking, invoice reconciliation, and sample/inventory management is strongly preferred.

Why Join Us?

Join a Fortune 500 global fashion and lifestyle company and gain hands‑on experience supporting Collection and Special Projects within a globally recognized fashion organization. This role provides exposure to merchandising operations, financial management, product samples, market execution, logistics, and cross‑t