Assistant Merchant

Express & Bonobos; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

PHOENIX Retail, LLC, which operates Express and Bonobos, is seeking an Assistant Merchant in Columbus to support assortment strategies and ensure operational efficiency.

You will work with cross-functional teams, manage samples and market research, and help prepare for key meetings while maintaining data accuracy across systems. This role offers a collaborative, fast-paced environment in our Columbus HQ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in business, retail merchandising, or related field.
• 0–3 years of experience in retail merchandising or buying.
• Proficient in Excel and Google; RMS experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing seasonal assortments, including initial product selection and style setup.
• Manage daily operational tasks and data integrity across systems.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform product development and pricing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute assortment strategies.
• Track order delivery, launch timing, and report exceptions.
• Support planning on seasonal financial plans, pricing, and item descriptions.
• Disseminate product knowledge monthly or seasonally.
• Stay updated on trends and customer preferences to inform assortment decisions.

Skills

Excel

Google

Retail analytics

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, retail merchandising, or related field

Tools

Retail Management Systems (RMS)

BeProduct

S5

Job description

Overview

About PHOENIX

PHOENIX Retail, LLC is a retail platform operating the Express and Bonobos brands worldwide.

About Express

Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style whether dressing for work, everyday or special occasions. Since its launch in 1980, the brand has embraced a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style. Express ensures you look and feel your best, wherever life takes you. The Company operates over 400 retail and outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, the express.com online store and the Express mobile app.

Location Name

Columbus Corporate Headquarters

Responsibilities

The Assistant Merchant supports the Merchant team in achieving seasonal and annual financial objectives by contributing to assortment strategies and ensuring operational efficiency. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, manages daily operational functions, and assists in product development and market research. The Assistant Merchant is responsible for maintaining data integrity, managing samples, preparing for key meetings, and providing insights into market trends and customer behavior.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in developing seasonal assortments, including initial product selection, roadmap creation, and style set-up.
• Manage operational tasks, including order management, sample organization, meeting preparation, and data accuracy acrossall systems.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis, providing insights that inform product development and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, Planning, Design, eCommerce, Visual, Marketing) to ensure the successful execution of assortment strategies.
• Maintain style attribution, adoption, and updates, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
• Prepare and present hindsighting selling reports, highlighting opportunities for future season planning.
• Support product development by communicating tactical updates to the appropriate teams, including design, production, and sourcing.
• Track and manage order delivery and launch timing, reporting exceptions and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Partner with the planning team on seasonal financial plans, pricing, and item descriptions.
• Compile and distribute product knowledge to internal teams on a monthly or seasonal basis.
• Stay updated on trends and customer preferences to inform product selection and assortment decisions

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in business, retail merchandising, fashion merchandising, or a related field is preferred.
• 0-3 years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, or related field.
• Proficient in Excel and Google; experience with Retail Management Systems (RMS), BeProduct or S5, or similar RMS is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Acute fashion sense with the ability to interpret market trends and customer preferences.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of retail math to assess sales and performance.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage through conflict, problem-solve, and influence decisions effectively

CRITICAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Systems and technology-savvy, with a willingness to adapt to new tools and processes.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain data integrity across multiple tasks.
• Demonstrates strong visual taste level and awareness of current trends.
• Ability to defend and effectively communicate ideas and recommendations across teams.

Early Entry

Closing

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Applicants must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States. PHOENIX does not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this position.

An equal opportunity employer, PHOENIX does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or any other terms and conditions of employment hiring on the basis of any federal, state, or locally protected characteristic. PHOENIX only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States. PHOENIX is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to search and apply for a job position due to a disability, please call 1-800-964-9793 and say 'Associate Relations' or send an e-mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Notification to Agencies

Please note that PHOENIX does not accept unsolicited resumes or calls from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement and approval from HR to submit resumes for a specific requisition, PHOENIX will not consider or approve payment to any third-parties for hires made.