Associate Account Merchant: Data-Driven Merch Planning

Caleres; Missouri; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30% Associate Discount across Famous,

Benefits start Day One: 401k, health,

Pay on demand access to earnings

Mental wellness resources

Relaxed dress code

Job summary

Caleres in St. Louis, MO is seeking an Associate Account Merchant to support key retail partnerships, analyze performance, and help drive assortment and inventory strategies that maximize sales and profitability.

You will partner with the Account Merchant to execute plans, monitor sales and inventory, manage buy allocations and replenishment, and ensure timely buying operations. The ideal candidate has 2–4+ years in buying or related fields, strong Excel skills, and a collaborative, fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 2–4+ years of buying, retail, wholesale, sales planning, or related experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with the ability to turn data into actionable insights.
• Experience with inventory and Open to Buy (OTB) planning tools.
• Ability to communicate analytical information clearly to internal and external partners.
• Highly collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• SAP and Business Intelligence (BI) experience is a plus.
• Ability to travel approximately 10–25%.

Responsibilities

• Support Account & Assortment Strategies: Partner with the Account Merchant to execute business and assortment plans that support brand strategies and achieve sales and financial goals.
• Analyze Business Performance: Monitor sales, inventory, projections, and promotional strategies through daily, weekly, and monthly reporting to identify opportunities that improve sales, margin, and inventory turn.
• Manage Inventory & Replenishment: Support initial buy allocations, weekly replenishment, fill-ins, and store and digital inventory to ensure the right product is available at the right time.
• Execute Buying Operations: Manage key buying office functions, including sizing and writing orders, markdowns, dropship setup and maintenance, while ensuring buying and shipping deadlines are met.
• Identify Business Opportunities: Analyze performance across categories, regions, climates, and consumer feedback to identify opportunities that support both short- and long-term business goals.
• Build Planning Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of Open to Buy (OTB), financial productivity, and retail and wholesale planning to support informed business decisions.

Skills

Buying

Retail planning

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Excel

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

OTB planning tools

SAP

BI

Job description

Join our dynamic and thriving footwear company as anAssociate Account Merchant in St. Louis, MO where you'll have the opportunity to support key retail partnerships, analyze business performance, and help drive assortment and inventory strategies that maximize sales and profitability. If you have a passion for retail, enjoy digging into the numbers, and thrive in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment, this is the perfect role for you! As a member of our team, you'll be part of a company that values results, caring, and learning.

What will you be doing?

• Support Account & Assortment Strategies: Partner with the Account Merchant to execute business and assortment plans that support brand strategies and achieve sales and financial goals.
• Analyze Business Performance: Monitor sales, inventory, projections, and promotional strategies through daily, weekly, and monthly reporting to identify opportunities that improve sales, margin, and inventory turn.
• Manage Inventory & Replenishment: Support initial buy allocations, weekly replenishment, fill-ins, and store and digital inventory to ensure the right product is available at the right time.
• Execute Buying Operations: Manage key buying office functions, including sizing and writing orders, markdowns, dropship setup and maintenance, while ensuring buying and shipping deadlines are met.
• Identify Business Opportunities: Analyze performance across categories, regions, climates, and consumer feedback to identify opportunities that support both short- and long-term business goals.
• Build Planning Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of Open to Buy (OTB), financial productivity, and retail and wholesale planning to support informed business decisions.

Perks you will enjoy!

• Our Shoe Discounts: No matter your style, we’ve got your perfect fit covered with a 30% Associate Discount across Famous Footwear and Caleres brands.
• Benefits that Start Day One: To learn more details about our total rewards including 401k, health benefits and PTO, visit yourcaleres.com.
• Get Paid When You Want: Access your money as you earn it and request your earnings before payday.
• Mental Wellness: Your mental health is important to us, and we offer free, 24/7 confidential support and resources through CompPsych EAP for eligible associates.
• Relaxed Dress Code: At Caleres, we believe that the right shoes can take you anywhere, and your authentic self is always in style. Feel free to leave your professional attire in the back of your closet!

Qualifications that make you the perfect fit!

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• 2–4+ years of buying, retail, wholesale, sales planning, or related experience preferred
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with the ability to turn data into actionable insights
• Experience with inventory and Open to Buy (OTB) planning tools
• Ability to communicate analytical information clearly and concisely to both internal and external partners
• Highly collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• SAP and Business Intelligence (BI) experience is a plus
• Ability to travel approximately 10–25%

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