Category Merchandiser [AQ-23993]

Aquent; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is partnering with a leading global company to shape the Kids Apparel assortment. You will blend art and science to create compelling product lines that resonate with diverse audiences and drive growth across markets.

As a Senior Merchandiser, you will own end-to-end lifecycles from concept to marketplace, lead seasonal reviews, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver consumer-centric, data-informed strategies that elevate the brand in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher, or combination of education, experience, and training.
• 4+ years of experience in Apparel or relevant consumer product merchandising, product creation, and/or retail.
• Strong command of retail and/or digital metrics (sell-through, margin, full-price realization, weeks of supply).
• Ability to translate consumer, sales, trend, and marketplace insights into in-season and long-term strategies.
• Experience preparing seasonal tools for marketplace partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop consumer-centric assortment plans using data-driven insights and market understanding.
• Lead seasonal reviews and assortment building with marketplace account-focused merchants.
• Manage multi-season product lifecycles and shape future season plans.
• Balance regional merchandising needs with cohesive global strategies.
• Collaborate with Demand Planning and Product & Design from concept to execution.

Skills

Merchandising

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Data-driven decision making

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Aquent is partnering with a leading global company at the forefront of consumer goods, renowned for its innovative approach to design and market presence. This organization is dedicated to inspiring athletes and consumers worldwide, continuously pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional products that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. Joining this team means contributing to a legacy of excellence and innovation, where your work directly influences the future of consumer engagement and product development on a global scale.

We are seeking a visionary individual to join a dynamic team, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of product offerings for a key consumer segment, specifically Kids Apparel. In this exciting opportunity, you won’t just manage products; you will blend art and science to create compelling assortments that captivate and inspire. Your strategic insights and collaborative spirit will directly influence product lifecycles from concept to marketplace, making a tangible impact on brand success and consumer engagement. This is your chance to leverage your expertise in a fast-paced, evolving environment, driving innovation and growth and directly influencing what consumers see and experience.

What You Will Do

• Develop consumer-centric assortment plans, integrating both data-driven insights and intuitive market understanding to drive product success.
• Lead seasonal reviews and assortment building processes, collaborating closely with marketplace account-focused merchants to align strategies.
• Manage multi-season product lifecycles, contributing insights that shape future season plans and drive adoption across central merchandising teams.
• Deeply manage assortment planning during seasonal processes, proactively gathering critical consumer trends and marketplace insights to inform decisions.
• Actively balance interactions and address the business needs of regional merchandising teams, ensuring cohesive global strategies.
• Partner strategically with Demand Planning and Product & Design teams to bring business strategies to life, from concept to execution.
• Cultivate strong relationships within the Kids merchandising team, enabling a cohesive and impactful assortment strategy that drives results.
• Continuously manage and maintain seasonal tools and assortments, alongside long-term strategic line planning that empowers regional execution.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with cross-functional teammates to ensure seamless collaboration and integrated efforts.
• Drive clear, concise, and influential communication across all levels of engagement, fostering transparency and alignment.

What You Bring

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher, or a combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
• 4+ years of experience in Apparel or relevant consumer product merchandising, product creation, and/or retail in a vertical, multi-brand, or digital environment.
• Strong command of common retail and/or digital metrics such as sell-through, margin, full-price realization, and weeks of supply.
• Proven ability to translate consumer, sales, trend, and marketplace insights into effective in-season and long-term strategies.
• Experience preparing seasonal tools to equip marketplace partners with a clear understanding of seasonal priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong working relationships with teammates and cross-functional partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong emphasis on influencing abilities within a cross-functional matrix.
• Self-sufficiency and critical thinking skills.
• A collaborative and positive team player, eager to learn and contribute.
• Attention to detail, understanding the importance of consistency in execution.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Ability to balance “art and science” in merchandising decisions, coupled with an aesthetic design point of view.
• Fashion industry knowledge.
• Experience in retail and/or regional merchandising.
• An optimistic, curious, style-oriented, analytic, and trend-savvy mindset.
• A deep awareness and understanding of the consumer and the marketplace’s ever-changing dynamics.
• Strategic visioning and consumer expertise.
• Ability to work autonomously, be agile, and be solution-oriented in a dynamic environment.

Client Description

Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.