Assistant Merchant: Design-Driven Product & Vendor Support

Knoll Inc.; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Within Reach in Stamford, CT is hiring an Assistant Merchant to support our Merchandising team in curating a product assortment that reflects our brand while increasing sales and achieving profit goals. You’ll report to the Senior Merchant for your category and assist with procurement, launch, and maintenance.

You will coordinate with cross-functional teams and help manage trainings, reporting, and vendor relationships to ensure accurate catalogs, pricing, and product specs.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in merchandising, planning, or a related role within the design, retail, or home products industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across internal teams and external partners.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities with detail orientation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Help manage vendor relationships as a primary contact for vendors and designers.
• Monitor milestone dates and maintain the product pipeline calendar to meet deadlines.
• Proof catalogs, website content, and advertising materials for accuracy and consistency.
• Review and troubleshoot product return claims and coordinate with vendors.
• Coordinate communication between vendors and Product Support to resolve client concerns.
• Assist with monthly or quarterly product trainings.
• Create sales reports for vendor meetings and internal reviews.
• Approve finance costing discrepancies with cross-functional partners.
• Conduct market and trend analysis and share insights with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Digital, Marketing, Planning, Allocations, and Product Development/Sourcing as a central hub in the pipeline.
• Research, organize, and manage special projects with analytical support for senior team members.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Project management

Attention to detail

Judgment

Microsoft Office

Merchandising experience

Education

1+ years merchandising/planning experience

Job description

Design Within Reach in Stamford, CT is hiring an Assistant Merchant to support our Merchandising team in curating a product assortment that reflects our brand while increasing sales and achieving profit goals. You’ll report to the Senior Merchant for your category and assist with procurement, launch, and maintenance.

You will coordinate with cross-functional teams and help manage trainings, reporting, and vendor relationships to ensure accurate catalogs, pricing, and product specs.