Senior Category Merchant: Data-Driven Growth Leader

Default Brand; Duquesne (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Default Brand is seeking The Merchant III to lead defined category strategies across channels, leveraging data-driven insights to grow revenue and margin. This role bridges day-to-day category execution with broader merchandising strategy.

You will develop consumer-first assortment plans for key accounts, collaborate cross-functionally, and improve processes, tools, and go-to-market readiness. Strong analytical skills and retail merchandising experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in merchandising, marketing, business administration, or related field.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in merchandising, buying, retail, category management, ecommerce, or related commercial function.
• Strong knowledge of retail merchandising fundamentals (retail math, category management, assortment planning).
• Analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends and opportunities, and translate insights into actions.
• Leads cross-functional projects and priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; ability to develop clear, decision-ready materials.
• Experience with use of AI in merchandising is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads defined category/categories across all accounts and brands as subject matter expert in merchandising.
• Develops consumer-first, data-driven assortment strategies across customers, categories, brands, and channels.
• Enhances standard merchandising processes, tools, and ways of working for efficiency, visibility, and decision-making.
• Balances interests of customers, brands, accounts, and internal stakeholders in recommendations and decisions.
• Translates assortment recommendations and market insights into materials for line reviews and product launches.
• Guides product discontinuation, replacement, and transition strategies for better operations.
• Identifies trends and opportunities for key selling moments and converts insights into actionable recommendations.
• Drives cross-functional projects from initiation to completion with timelines and follow-up actions.

Skills

Merchandising

Category management

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in merchandising

Tools

AI in merchandising

Job description

Default Brand is seeking The Merchant III to lead defined category strategies across channels, leveraging data-driven insights to grow revenue and margin. This role bridges day-to-day category execution with broader merchandising strategy.

You will develop consumer-first assortment plans for key accounts, collaborate cross-functionally, and improve processes, tools, and go-to-market readiness. Strong analytical skills and retail merchandising experience are required.