Merchandising Assistant

Adecco Portugal; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Adecco Portugal is seeking an Assistant Merchandiser to support the merchandising team in developing and analyzing product assortments that align with brand strategy and customer demand.

You will collaborate with Buyers and cross-functional teams on assortment planning, trend analysis, and operational coordination across the product lifecycle, ensuring timely execution and data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of merchandising, buying, retail, planning, or related experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, Business, or related field is preferred.
• Experience with merchandise planning and assortment management tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support Buyers in developing seasonal product assortments through competitive analysis, customer insights, and business performance reviews.
• Research consumer, industry, and competitor trends and identify opportunities relevant to the brand's merchandising strategy.
• Conduct historical sales analysis to support assortment recommendations and product rankings.
• Collaborate with Planning and Allocation teams on promotional strategies, product flow, color and size optimization, and inventory planning.
• Assist with assortment planning and product selection decisions based on customer demand, market trends, and business performance.
• Coordinate sample ordering and ensure products are available for marketing and promotional needs.
• Manage merchandising timelines and communicate key deadlines to cross-functional partners.
• Monitor business performance and support Buyers in identifying opportunities, risks, and reaction strategies throughout the season.
• Track product trends, sales results, and customer preferences to support decision-making.
• Partner with Planning, Design, Product Development, and Allocation teams to ensure smooth execution of the merchandising process.
• Analyze competitor assortments, pricing strategies, promotional activities, and brand positioning.
• Prepare and manage product samples for Marketing, Public Relations, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Support Store Operations with product education materials, events, and communication tools.
• Work closely with Ecommerce and Outlet teams to ensure assortment needs are addressed across all channels.
• Maintain seasonal sample inventory and support preparation for merchant meetings and product reviews.
• Develop a strong understanding of product categories, assortments, and business objectives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Detail-oriented

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, Business, or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

BI tools

Job description

The Assistant Merchandiser supports the merchandising team in the development, execution, and analysis of product assortments that align with brand strategy and customer demand. This role partners closely with Buyers and cross-functional teams to provide business insights, trend analysis, assortment planning support, and operational coordination throughout the product lifecycle. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about fashion and retail merchandising.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Buyers in developing seasonal product assortments through competitive analysis, customer insights, and business performance reviews.
• Research consumer, industry, and competitor trends and identify opportunities relevant to the brand's merchandising strategy.
• Conduct historical sales analysis to support assortment recommendations and product rankings.
• Collaborate with Planning and Allocation teams on promotional strategies, product flow, color and size optimization, and inventory planning.
• Assist with assortment planning and product selection decisions based on customer demand, market trends, and business performance.
• Coordinate sample ordering and ensure products are available for marketing and promotional needs.
• Manage merchandising timelines and communicate key deadlines to cross-functional partners.
• Monitor business performance and support Buyers in identifying opportunities, risks, and reaction strategies throughout the season.
• Track product trends, sales results, and customer preferences to support decision-making.
• Partner with Planning, Design, Product Development, and Allocation teams to ensure smooth execution of the merchandising process.
• Analyze competitor assortments, pricing strategies, promotional activities, and brand positioning.
• Prepare and manage product samples for Marketing, Public Relations, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Support Store Operations with product education materials, events, and communication tools.
• Work closely with Ecommerce and Outlet teams to ensure assortment needs are addressed across all channels.
• Maintain seasonal sample inventory and support preparation for merchant meetings and product reviews.
• Develop a strong understanding of product categories, assortments, and business objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• 1-2 years of merchandising, buying, retail, planning, or related experience.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build effective cross-functional relationships.
• Sense of urgency and commitment to meeting deadlines.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, Business, or a related field.
• Relevant internship experience within retail, merchandising, or fashion.
• Experience working in fashion, apparel, accessories, beauty, or specialty retail environments.
• Experience with merchandise planning and assortment management tools.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with reporting and analytics tools such as MicroStrategy or similar BI platforms preferred.
• Strong aptitude for retail systems, data analysis, and merchandise reporting.