Merchandiser

Randa Corp; Rosemont (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Insurance options

401(k)

Wellness program

Job summary

Randa Apparel & Accessories seeks a Merchandiser to develop and execute product strategies for Rain and Seasonal Accessories across multiple brands. You will translate consumer needs into compelling assortments and manage the end-to-end lifecycle from concept to market launch.

You will collaborate with Design, Sales, and Sourcing to align collections with brand objectives, consumer insights, and financial targets. A hybrid work arrangement is offered with some travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years’ experience in merchandising, design, or product development.
• Experience with accessories design is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze historical sales and market trends to inform seasonal strategies.
• Develop seasonal assortments aligned with brand positioning and financial goals.
• Lead line reviews and prepare materials for market appointments.
• Oversee PLM accuracy from line finalization through commercialization.
• Manage seasonal calendars, milestones, and cross-functional coordination.
• Coordinate supplier communication and sample development lifecycle.
• Support cross-functional initiatives to drive category growth.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Travel ready

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising or related field

Tools

PLM systems

Microsoft Office

Adobe Suite

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Rosemont, IL, US

Salary Range: $71,500.00 To $76,500.00 Annually

Salary Range: $71,500 - $76,500

Randa Apparel & Accessories is one of the world’s leading fashion clothing and accessories companies, operating across 11 countries with a portfolio of 30+ iconic brands, including Haggar, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Totes, Isotoner, and Columbia Sportswear. With over 100 years of industry leadership, RAA continues to produce exceptional products and services, delighting customers and empowering partners worldwide. From the #1 dress pant brand in North America to the #1 belt and wallet, RAA sets the standard for excellence and innovation

We empower our associates, create growth opportunities at every level, and strive to make RAA the best place to build a career.

Want to work at a diverse, equitable, & inclusive workspace where associates are encouraged to bring their true, authentic selves?

Location: Chicago, IL
Salary Range: $71,500 - $76,500
Schedule: Hybrid (3 days in-office / 2 days remote)
Travel: Some travel required domestically and internationally

Position Summary

The Merchandiser is responsible for developing and executing the Rain and Seasonal Accessories product strategy within their area of responsibility (AOR), ensuring assortments align with brand objectives, consumer insights, market trends, and financial goals. This role leads the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept development and assortment architecture through commercialization and customer adoption, driving innovation and growth across upcoming seasons.

Partnering closely with Design, Sales, Product Development, Sourcing, and Planning teams, the Merchandiser translates consumer and customer needs into compelling product assortments that deliver both brand relevance and business results. The Merchandiser may support multiple brands and categories while providing leadership, direction, and day-to-day guidance to Assistant Merchandisers to ensure flawless execution of key milestones, deliverables, and seasonal initiatives.

This role requires a strategic, consumer-focused mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while championing product excellence and category growth.

Essential Job Functions

• Analyze Business Performance & Market Trends
  

  Analyze historical sales performance, consumer insights, customer feedback, and competitive market trends across the Rain & Seasonal Accessories categories.

  
  

  category. Partner with Design to translate findings into actionable recommendations that inform seasonal product strategies, assortment decisions, and category growth opportunities.

  
  


• Drive Seasonal Line Development
  

  Partner closely with Design to develop seasonal assortments that align with brand positioning, customer needs, and financial objectives. Provide direction on product architecture, style opportunities, color trends, key item development, and category gaps to create compelling and commercially successful assortments.

  
  


• Lead Presentation & Line Review Preparation
  

  Drive readiness for key internal and external meetings by partnering with Sales and cross-functional teams to understand customer-specific needs and presentation objectives. Prepare product samples, assortment visuals, and supporting materials for market appointments, line reviews, account presentations, and trade shows.

  
  


• Manage Product Adoption & PLM Accuracy
  

  Oversee the product adoption process from line finalization through commercialization. Ensure accurate style creation and maintenance within PLM, facilitate handoff meetings with Product Development and Sourcing teams, and maintain complete and accurate product specifications, costing, and assortment information.

  
  


• Own Seasonal Calendar Execution
  

  Manage seasonal milestones, critical path timelines, and lead times to ensure all deliverables are completed on schedule. Coordinate cross-functional activities to support timely product development, customer presentations, sample readiness, and on-time market deliveries.

  
  


• Coordinate Supplier Communication
  

  Serve as the primary merchandising liaison with factory and supplier partners. Manage ongoing communication related to sample development, product specifications, costing updates, sourcing requirements, and adoption timelines to ensure alignment throughout the product lifecycle.

  
  


• Oversee Sample & Prototype Development
  

  Partner with factory teams to initiate sample requests and oversee prototype development for umbrellas, ponchos, rain accessories, and other seasonal products

  
  

  . Review samples for design intent, construction quality, fit, functionality, material execution, and compliance with product specifications before approval.

  
  


• Manage End-to-End Sample Lifecycle
  

  Lead all sample management activities, including forecasting needs, submitting requests, tracking sample status, coordinating deliveries, organizing products for fittings and presentations, and maintaining accurate documentation throughout the development process. Ensure samples are available and presentation‑ready to support internal reviews and customer meetings.

  
  


• Support Cross‑Functional Business Initiatives
  

  Collaborate with Sales, Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Planning, and Operations teams to support category growth, customer initiatives, process improvements, and strategic business objectives. Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  
  
  
  • Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  
  
  • 3–5 years of experience in merchandising consumer products, design, or product development
  
  
  • Prior experience in accessories design
  
  
  
  


• Technical Skills
  
  
  
  • Strong understanding of raw materials and finished goods manufacturing processes
  
  
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
  
  
  • Experience with Adobe Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop) a plus
  
  
  • Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems or similar tools
  
  
  
  


• Leadership & Communication
  
  
  
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience and/or proven leadership skills
  
  
  • Excellent presentation skills for internal and external stakeholders
  
  
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and creative communication skills
  
  
  
  


• Additional Requirements
  
  
  
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25–30%; prior overseas travel experience is a plus
  
  
  • Ability to receive, lift, open, and unpack product sample boxes, with or without reasonable accommodation
  
  
  • Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and multi-tasking abilities
  
  
  • Customer-focused and results-driven mindset
  
  
  
  

What we Offer

• Three weeks of paid time off within the first year of employment.


• Company provided life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and paid parental leave.


• Health, vision, and dental insurance options with low employee contributions.


• Optional supplemental life insurance, pet insurance, and accident & critical illness insurance offered at a group discount rate.


• 401(k).


• Unlimited access to our award-winning online fitness, and wellness program.


• A great place to work, fast-paced, with terrific career growth

“The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Randa management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.”