Associate Corporate Merchant – Accessories

L.L.Bean Costa Rica; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

L.L.Bean is seeking an Associate Corporate Merchant for our Accessories category. You will shape product assortments, influence business strategy, and drive sales, margin and profit through strategic line plans.

The role partners across Merchandising, Ecommerce, Planning, Product Development and Design from our Freeport, Maine headquarters. Develop category strategies, assess market trends, and lead line planning while collaborating with internal teams.

Qualifications

• Education level: 4-Year Bachelor's Degree.
• Years of Experience: 1+ years.
• Must live within a commutable distance to Freeport, Maine.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies based on sales trends.
• Create line plan and act as the final editor of the line plan.
• Coordinate with Retail Merchandising, Ecommerce, Planning, Product Development, Design, Inventory Management and Creative.
• Analyze sales performance and marketplace information to identify opportunities and risks.
• Support cross-department communication and present findings to stakeholders.
• Manage small SKUs and dollars demand center.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Teamwork

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Database systems

Job description

Position Purpose

As an Associate Corporate Merchant for our Accessories category, you'll join a collaborative, values-driven team that works across functions to shape product assortments, influence business strategy, and bring innovative ideas to life. Position Purpose: This Associate Corporate Merchant will work to achieve sales, gross margin, brand positioning and profit goals of a specific business through the selection, pricing and promotion of merchandise that maximizes the Company's return on investment for our Accessories category. Develop and implement category strategies including analysis and appropriate reaction to sales trends in order to maximize business. Creates the line plan and acts as the "Final Editor" of the line and line plan. Provide direction and continuously communicate with internal partners including Retail Merchandising, Ecommerce, Merchandise Planning, Product Development, Design, Inventory Management and Creative - reinforcing the division's goals and strategies. This role is based at our beautiful Corporate Headquarters in Freeport, Maine.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Concept Ideation: Perform market research; assess the competition; bring forward new product ideas
• Strategic Planning: Participates in strategic planning discussions as a learner; provides input
• Market Research Gather market data & create reports to support assessment of competition -preseason / in season (i.e., ratings & reviews; market basket) Planning & Analytics Reviews & reports out on ratings & reviews Provides input to the development of Division level concepts, items, and promotional strategies Provides input to merchandising & selling the line Review & provide input to in-season markdowns
• Core Work: Tools and systems management Maintains & ensures data integrity for variety of systems Communicates changes to stakeholders May manage photo sample process For assigned business areas
• Responsible for the line plan Identify opportunities & risks through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information Participates in review of sales, receipt flow, inventory & margin projections to maximize sales & minimize risks Provide support & coordination for the team and manage small SKUs/Dollars demand center Communicates to cross-department group; makes presentations Performs moderately complex analysis of data. Identifies trends. Makes suggestions.
• Additional duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Education Level: 4-Year Bachelors Degree Years of Experience: 1+ years

Skills and Qualifications

Must live within a commutable distance to the Corporate HQ located in Freeport, Maine Shows emerging leadership skills as evidenced by ability to delegate & mentor others. Tasks are tactical in nature. Solid written & verbal skills. Multiple tasks assigned and reviewed only after completion. Merchandise and institutional process knowledge preferred Strong oral and written communication skills Exceptional organizational skills with extreme attention to detail Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while effectively meeting deadlines Work efficiently without direct supervision Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, experience with database utilization Team player with ability to work effectively with diverse personalities Must be able to handle difficult situations in a calm, professional manner Creative problem-solving abilities Flexible in ever-changing, fast paced environment

Compensation

L.L.Bean uses a market-based compensation approach. The anticipated starting base pay for this position is $65,800.00-$82,200.00. Individual compensation may vary based on factors such as a candidate's experience, qualifications, education, geographic location, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.

Benefits

Our benefits package makes a good thing even better, with programs and perks designed to support your health and financial goals. Plus, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and re-charging outside are all part of the plan.

If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you'd be great at this role, we'd love to learn more about you!

Company Culture

At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome—both here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring the best of their experience and talents and truly thrive. We're driven by a shared passion for delivering exceptional products and experiences that inspire people to enjoy the outdoors. As an Associate Corporate Merchant for our Accessories category, you'll join a collaborative, values-driven team that works across functions to shape product assortments, influence business strategy, and bring innovative ideas to life. Position Purpose: This Associate Corporate Merchant will work to achieve sales, gross margin, brand positioning and profit goals of a specific business through the selection, pricing and promotion of merchandise that maximizes the Company's return on investment for our Accessories category. Develop and implement category strategies including analysis and appropriate reaction to sales trends in order to maximize business. Creates the line plan and acts as the "Final Editor" of the line and line plan. Provide direction and continuously communicate with internal partners including Retail Merchandising, Ecommerce, Merchandise Planning, Product Development, Design, Inventory Management and Creative - reinforcing the division's goals and strategies. This role is based at our beautiful Corporate Headquarters in Freeport, Maine.

Over a century ago, company founder Leon Leonwood Bean set out to make a boot to keep hunters' feet warm and dry. Today, we continue to follow the trail he blazed, adding new paths to help more people discover the outdoors, whether it’s the thrill of sea kayaking, the quiet of early morning fishing or the pleasure of walking in your local park. Of course, we remain true to L.L.'s core values, and are committed to quality, service, and putting the outside, inside everything we make. So join us, adventure awaits…

At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We strive to reflect this every day in our commitments to employees and partners and in our efforts to promote belonging. Over a century ago, company founder Leon Leonwood Bean set out to make a boot to keep hunters' feet warm and dry. Today, we continue to follow the trail he blazed, adding new paths to help more people discover the outdoors, whether it’s the thrill of sea kayaking, the quiet of early morning fishing or the pleasure of walking in your local park. Of course, we remain true to L.L.'s core values, and are committed to quality, service, and putting the outside, inside everything we make.

At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome—both here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring best of their experience and talents and truly thrive.