Freelance Merchandiser

BDA, LLC; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

BDA, LLC is seeking a Merchandiser to develop branded merchandise and product assortments for a major home improvement retailer on a full-time contract. You will translate brand strategy, customer insights, and trends into market-relevant products while partnering with design, sourcing, vendors, clients, and cross-functional teams.

You’ll guide the product lifecycle from concept to launch, managing samples, reviews, and approvals, and negotiating terms with suppliers to deliver timely,

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in retail buying, product development, merchandising, or related area.
• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Buying, Marketing, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience identifying and interpreting product and consumer trends.
• Ability to use market intelligence and customer insights to inform product decisions.
• Experience developing relevant, profitable product assortments.
• Strong organization and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple products, priorities, and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Participate in assortment planning and strategy discussions to identify right product mix.
• Develop understanding of client brands, target customers, brand guidelines, and aesthetics.
• Translate trends into creative, commercially relevant product ideas.
• Drive creative direction for products, graphics, packaging, and details.
• Partner with internal design teams and external vendors throughout product development.
• Build and source strategic, profitable product assortments.
• Present product concepts and rationale to internal teams and clients.
• Review tech packs, lab dips, samples, and fit reviews for accuracy.
• Manage development samples and coordinate client review/approval.
• Negotiate pricing, quantities, quality, delivery and terms with suppliers.
• Lead or participate in merchandise status meetings and client calls.
• Maintain product status trackers and assortment planning documents.
• Help ensure development stays on schedule and launches occur on time.
• Collaborate with compliance, quality, sourcing, design and other teams to meet brand, margin, and execution expectations.

Skills

Merchandising

Product development

Retail buying

Merchandise planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Buying, Marketing, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Most companies claim to have the best people. We say to them, "Keep dreaming." Our people are second to none. They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar. It's our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for.

Contract Merchandiser

Work Location: Hybrid or Remote, depending on location
Schedule: 40 hours per week
Contract: October 2026 through approximately mid-April 2027
Hourly Rate: $38–$40/hour

Industry: Promotional Products / Branded Merchandise
Client Industry: Home Improvement Retail / Big-Box Retail

Job Summary

We’re looking for a creative, commercially minded Merchandiser, who will develop branded merchandise and product assortments for a major home improvement retailer to join our team on a full-time contract basis. This role is ideal for someone who loves bringing brands to life through product — combining trend awareness, creative instincts, strong product development skills, and an understanding of what customers actually want to buy.

As a Merchandiser, you’ll help shape and develop client product assortments from initial concept through execution. You’ll translate brand strategy, customer insights, and market trends into compelling, market-relevant products while partnering closely with design, sourcing, vendors, clients, and other cross‑functional teams.

You’ll be involved throughout the product lifecycle — from trend research and assortment strategy to sourcing, sampling, artwork, approvals, and launch.

What You’ll Do

• Participate in assortment planning and strategy discussions, helping identify the right product mix for each client and audience.

• Develop a strong understanding of client brands, target customers, brand guidelines, and aesthetic standards.

• Translate current and emerging trends into creative, commercially relevant product ideas.

• Help drive creative direction for products, graphics, embellishments, packaging, and other product details.

• Partner with internal design teams and external vendors throughout the product development process.

• Build and source strategic, profitable product assortments.

• Present product concepts and creative rationale to internal teams and clients.

• Review tech packs, lab dips, samples, fit reviews, and other product‑development details for accuracy and approval.

• Manage development samples and coordinate client review and approval.

• Negotiate with suppliers around pricing, quantities, quality, delivery, and other buying terms.

• Run or participate in merchandise status meetings, client calls, and internal work‑in‑progress meetings.

• Maintain product status trackers and assortment planning documents.

• Help ensure product development stays on schedule and launches happen on time.

• Partner across compliance, quality, sourcing, design, and other teams to ensure products meet expectations for brand, quality, margin, and execution.

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in retail buying, product development, merchandising, merchandise planning, or a related area.

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Buying, Marketing, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.

• Experience identifying and interpreting product and consumer trends.

• Ability to use market intelligence and customer insights to inform product decisions.

• Experience developing relevant, profitable product assortments.

• Strong organization and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple products, priorities, and deadlines at once.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively and influence across cross‑functional teams.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Comfortable working onsite in Woodinville, WA four days per week for the duration of the contract.

Nice to Have

• Custom cut‑and‑sew product experience.

• Custom hard goods product‑development experience.

• Smartsheet experience.

• PLM and/or Oracle experience.

Why This Role

• You’ll have the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle, rather than owning just one small piece of the merchandising process.

• You’ll help develop products and assortments for established brands while combining creativity, trends, analytics, sourcing, and product development.

• This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll work closely with design, sourcing, vendors, clients, and other internal partners.

• It’s a great opportunity for an experienced merchandiser who wants to jump into a fast‑moving team, make an immediate impact, and take on a meaningful six‑month contract from October through mid‑April.

BDA Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Must be 18 years or older to apply.