Merchandise Planning & Vendor Operations Assistant

Follett Corporation; Westchester (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness program

401(k) plan

Flexible spending

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Follett Corporation is seeking a detail‑oriented Merchandise Analyst to prepare weekly sales reports for senior management and support assortment planning across multiple channels. You will analyze sales data with MMS and RetailIDEAS, maintain SKUs and pricing with Merchandise Control, and coordinate with Planning and Allocation on assortment plans and lead times.

The role requires a retail environment background, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Educational background in business, marketing, or retail merchandise preferred.
• Work experience in a retail environment is required.
• Intermediate to advanced computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Must possess superior oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills, including an understanding of retail math.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build relationships with other departments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare weekly sales reports for GM and Operations management.
• Analyze sales using MMS and RetailIDEAS for assortment reviews and presentations.
• Collaborate with Merchandise Control to maintain SKU and pricing.
• Communicate vendor/product information to Planning and Allocation, including assortment plans and lead times.
• Assist in online assortment execution by gathering images and proofreading copy.
• Process purchase orders for test and seasonal programs.
• Respond to field inquiries about product assortments for existing and new locations.
• Communicate with vendors about product details, pricing, terms, shipping, and imagery.
• Update and distribute assortment plans, term sheets, and vendor letters.
• Proofread pricing and vendor data in systems.
• Manage vendor samples for approved assortments.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Retail math

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field

Business/Marketing/Retail merchandise background

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Follett Corporation is seeking a detail‑oriented Merchandise Analyst to prepare weekly sales reports for senior management and support assortment planning across multiple channels. You will analyze sales data with MMS and RetailIDEAS, maintain SKUs and pricing with Merchandise Control, and coordinate with Planning and Allocation on assortment plans and lead times.

The role requires a retail environment background, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication.