International Merchandise Manager

Claire's; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Claire's is seeking a Manager, International to drive day-to-day operations, performance, and growth of our international business. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and partners to support seasonal merchandising, tackle challenges, and align with company objectives.

The role requires strong analytical, relationship-building, project management, and communication skills, plus experience in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Merchandising, or related field.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in retail, buying/merchandising, logistics, planning, consumer products, consulting, or international business.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems.
• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage seasonal assortment reviews with partners, tailoring product pitches by market for localized assortment optimization.
• Own and manage end-to-end order management on behalf of international partners, from assortment reviews to order placement to allocations from DC with ERP systems.
• Partner with Compliance teams and vendor network to ensure proper execution of QA documentation to support local market requirements.
• Partner with Logistics to develop streamlined DC processes and reporting tools that improve inventory flow visibility, forecasting, and operational efficiency.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with international operators and distributors, ensuring partners are fully supported to drive their businesses effectively.
• Develop and improve processes, tools, and reporting to drive the international business and improve efficiency across partner management, buying, inventory, and reporting.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the International business, aligning internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure timely and successful execution.
• Establish clear business objectives and expectations with partners and proactively address gaps in merchandise, inventory, and operational execution.

Skills

Relationship management

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Merchandising, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Manager, International is responsible for driving the day-to-day operations, performance, and growth of our international business. The Manager will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and international partners to support growth through seasonal merchandising, solving business challenges, and ensure strategic alignment with company objectives. This role requires a highly analytical, results-oriented professional with strong relationship management, project management, and communication skills, as well as experience working in a fast-paced retail or consumer environment.

Key Responsibilities

Buying & Merchandise Management

• Own and manage seasonal assortment reviews with partners, tailoring product pitches by market for localized assortment optimization
• Own and manage end-to-end order management on behalf of international partners, from assortment reviews to order placement to allocations from DC with ERP systems
• Partner with Compliance teams and vendor network to ensure proper execution of QA documentation to support local market requirements.
• Partner with Logistics to develop streamlined DC processes and reporting tools that improve inventory flow visibility, forecasting, and operational efficiency.

Relationship Management

• Manage day-to-day relationships with international operators and distributors, ensuring partners are fully supported to drive their businesses effectively
• Develop and improve processes, tools, and reporting to drive the international business and improve efficiency across partner management, buying, inventory, and reporting
• Lead cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the International business, aligning internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure timely and successful execution
• Establish clear business objectives and expectations with partners and proactively address gaps in merchandise, inventory, and operational execution

Reporting & Analysis

• Own weekly reporting for international partners (on order, reorders, in transit) to drive visibility of ongoing operations
• Prepare seasonal business reviews, reporting, and presentations for senior leadership
• Support evaluation of new market opportunities, including market research, business case development, and launch planning as required from time to time

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Merchandising, or related field
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in retail, buying/merchandising, logistics, planning, consumer products, consulting, or international business
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems
• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action
• Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and external partners
• Experience supporting international markets, franchise, or licensing businesses
• Background in retail, fashion, accessories, or consumer brands