Lead Merchant, Men’s Knits & Sweaters

J.Crew Factory; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

J.Crew Factory seeks a Merchant for Men's Knits & Sweaters to own end-to-end product strategy for a key knit category. The role blends creative vision with analytical rigor, partnering with Design, Planning, Marketing, and Visual to deliver compelling assortments that resonate with our customers.

As a senior merchant, you will guide pre-season strategy, manage budgets with Planning, analyze trends and competition, and influence across teams to execute a cohesive line.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in a merchant or buying role within apparel or fashion retail.
• Strong analytical skills to translate data into strategies.
• Strong business acumen with understanding of retail metrics and buying principles.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities.
• High taste level with passion for fashion and trend-right products.
• Proven ability to collaborate across design, planning, and marketing teams.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Season: translate trends into commercial strategy and present to cross-functional teams.
• Plan budgets with Planning and strategize opportunities for the department.
• Analyze seasonal data, trends, assortment, and competition to guide strategy.
• Provide design feedback on silhouette, fabric, and color based on strategy.
• Build design roadmaps with monthly newness needs and carry-forward direction.
• In Season: approve fits and ensure alignment with aesthetic and quality standards.
• Review sales, receipts, markdown cadence, and style-color counts with Planning.
• Analyze competitive environment to inform leadership recommendations.
• Plan merchandise buys by quarter using data-driven strategies and budget.
• Translate indicators into actionable information to drive results.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Styling, and Visual to elevate key items.

Skills

Analytical skills

Business acumen

Cross-functional collaboration

Organization & prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising or related field

Job description

J.Crew Factory seeks a Merchant for Men's Knits & Sweaters to own end-to-end product strategy for a key knit category. The role blends creative vision with analytical rigor, partnering with Design, Planning, Marketing, and Visual to deliver compelling assortments that resonate with our customers.

As a senior merchant, you will guide pre-season strategy, manage budgets with Planning, analyze trends and competition, and influence across teams to execute a cohesive line.