PRODUCT MANAGER / MERCHANDISING ASSISTANT

Rush & Company; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush & Company in New York City is seeking a detail-oriented Merchandise Assistant to support item setup, sample management, and product approvals. You will help ensure accurate descriptions, UPCs, and pricing, while coordinating with sales, design, and production teams to keep projects on track.

The role focuses on data entry, content creation for product launches using AI tools, and organizing samples for buyers and partners.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in a merchandising or product development support role, preferably in home textiles or related consumer goods.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint); experience with PLM or ERP systems a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments and external partners.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive attitude.
• In Office Mon–Thu
• All Candidates must be able to provide work related references.

Responsibilities

• Item Setup: Assist with item creation and data entry in internal systems and customer portals.
• Ensure accuracy in product descriptions, specifications, UPCs, costing, and pricing data.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (sales, design, production) to gather item setup information.
• Content Management: Write engaging copy for product launches using AI tools.
• Upload product images and content to customer sites, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Product Development/Merchandising Operational Support: Build quote sheets for customers to share pricings and specs during development.
• Assist in managing TNAs between Merch/Global Sourcing/Suppliers.
• Collaborate with the Ops team to facilitate supplier and retailer item setups, including UPC requests, SAP item set up form, customer product setup forms, GXS setups, ECOM set up forms, etc.

Skills

Merchandising basics

Product development support

Content management

Data entry

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PLM/ERP systems

Job description

As a premier, vertically integrated global leader in home textiles, we control our entire process from field to market. This end-to-end mastery allows us to deliver exceptional craftsmanship in bed sheets, fashion bedding, utility items, and institutional linens. Trusted by the world’s top retail, hospitality, and fashion brands, our operations span multiple continents, driven by a 25-year legacy of sustainable growth, innovative consumer research, and cutting edge technology.

We are actively expanding our North American footprint, offering a rare intersection of established global security and fresh, local entrepreneurship.

A Culture of Innovation:

From our high-profile design studio and corporate headquarters in the heart of New York City to our massive logistics hub and state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in North Carolina, we embrace the latest green-workplace innovations and modern tech stacks

True Career Mobility:

We are expanding rapidly. Our recent $15 million investment into a cutting-edge greenfield facility in North Carolina has created hundreds of new roles, opening fast-tracked avenues for professional advancement in operations, engineering, sales, and supply chain management

Values You Can Stand Behind:

We manage with an agile, flexible mindset. Our corporate philosophy is anchored strictly in honesty, complete transparency, and mutual respect for everyone we work with

The Merchandise Assistant will support the merchandising and product development teams by ensuring smooth and timely execution of key operational tasks. This role will focus on item setup, sample management, and tracking product approvals. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Item Setup:
  • Assist with item creation and data entry in internal systems and customer portals
  • Ensure accuracy in product descriptions, specifications, UPCs, costing, and pricing data
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams (sales, design, production) to gather item setup information
• Content Management:
  • Write engaging copy for product launches using AI tools
  • Upload product images and content to customer sites, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Product Development/Merchandising Operational Support:
  • Build quote sheets for customers to share pricings and specs during development
  • Assist in managing TNAs between Merch/Global Sourcing/Suppliers
  • Collaborate with the Ops team to facilitate supplier and retailer item setups, including UPC requests, SAP item set up form, customer product setup forms, GXS setups, ECOM set up forms, etc.
• Sample and Approval Management:
  • Receive, tag, and organize incoming development and production samples
  • Prepare and send out samples to buyers, sales teams, and third-party partners as needed
  • Assist in sending and receiving packages and samples both domestically and internationally
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and accessible sample room or storage area
  • Manage internal and customer strike off/PP/TOP sample approvals
  • Manage internal and customer packaging approvals, including RFID, care labels, woven brand labels, packaging, and inserts
  • Track the status of packaging, fabric, and pre-production approvals
  • Follow up with factories or vendors on outstanding approvals or revisions
  • Partner with design for color and pattern approvals
  • Facilitate shot lists, set inspiration, samples, and approvals for product photography
  • Handle Bazaar Voice requests, track samples, and complete necessary forms
• General Support:
  • Support the merchandising team in preparing materials for meetings or presentations
  • Assist in updating line sheets, product catalogs, and internal records
  • Perform other administrative duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• 1–2 years of experience in a merchandising or product development support role, preferably in home textiles or a related consumer goods industry
• Strong organizational and time management skills with keen attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint); experience with PLM or ERP systems a plus
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments and external partners
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive attitude
• In Office Mon‑Thur
• All Candidates must be able to provide work related references.