Assistant Merchant

Design Within Reach; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading home furnishings company is hiring an Assistant Merchant for their Merchandising team. This role involves supporting product procurement and vendor management while ensuring the product pipeline is maintained. Candidates should be passionate about modern design, with strong communication skills and a proactive mindset. Ideal for those with at least one year of experience in a related role, this position provides a platform to enhance your skills in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and shifting priorities.
• Sound judgment and initiative in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Merchant in product procurement and maintenance.
• Manage vendor relationships and product pipeline calendar.
• Proof catalogs and website content for accuracy.
• Coordinate communication between vendors and the Product Support team.
• Research and manage special projects as assigned.

Skills

Strong passion for modern design

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Organizational and project management skills

Attention to detail and accuracy

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

1+ years experience in merchandising or related role

Job description

About this opportunity:

We are hiring an Assistant Merchant to join our Merchandising team. As an Assistant Merchant, you'll support our Merchandise team in the curation of a product assortment that represents the tenets of our brand while increasing sales and achieving profit goals. You'll report to the Senior Merchant for your assigned category. The role of the Assistant Merchant is to support the Senior Merchant in all aspects of product procurement, launch, and maintenance.

What you’ll do:

• Help manage vendor relationships acting as a primary contact for vendors and designers.
• Monitor Design Within Reach milestone dates and maintain the product pipeline calendar to ensure all deadlines are met, including SKU builds, product testing and compliance requirements, milestone meetings, and photo sample delivery.
• Proof catalogs, website content, and advertising materials for accuracy, ensuring consistency in pricing, dimensions, and product specifications.
• Review and troubleshoot product return claims, partnering with vendors to resolve issues and manage charge‑back documentation.
• Coordinate communication between vendors and the Product Support team to resolve client concerns, collect detailed product information, and obtain supporting materials as needed.
• Help with monthly or quarterly product trainings.
• Create sales reports for vendor meetings and internal reviews.
• Approve Finance costing discrepancies with key cross functional partners.
• Maintain awareness of the competitive landscape, conducting and sharing quarterly market and trend analysis with internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with key cross‑functional teams—including Digital, Marketing, Planning, Allocations, and Product Development/Sourcing—recognizing Merchandising as the central hub throughout the product pipeline.
• Research, organize, and manage special projects as assigned, providing analytical and operational support to senior team members.

Job Requirements:

• Strong passion for modern design, furniture, and the home furnishings industry, with an interest in product storytelling and brand integrity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly across internal teams and external partners.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, with a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and shifting priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and effectively manage up in a fast paced environment; prioritization is key.
• Technically proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Dependable, punctual, and accountable, with a strong sense of ownership over responsibilities.
• 1+ years of experience in merchandising, planning, or a related role within the design, retail, or home products industry.

Who We Hire

Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Design Within Reach is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].

This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.