Sr Merchandiser

Randa Apparel & Accessories; Rosemont (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Three weeks of paid time off

Health, vision, and dental insurance options

401(k) plan

Commuter benefit plan

Job summary

Randa Apparel & Accessories is seeking a Senior Merchandiser in Rosemont, Illinois, to develop and execute seasonal line plan architecture. This role requires collaboration with various functions and focuses on delivering profitable assortments.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in merchandising, particularly in accessories, and will be responsible for driving product strategy across multiple channels. The position offers a hybrid work schedule and numerous employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising or related field.
• Experience in accessories merchandising or design.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal line plan architecture.
• Drive category strategy by identifying market trends.
• Manage costing, pricing, and financial performance.

Skills

Technical knowledge of raw materials

Understanding of product development lifecycle

Analytical and business acumen

Leadership capabilities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising or related field

Tools

PLM systems

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Merchandiser is responsible for developing and executing seasonal line plan architecture within their assigned Area of Responsibility (AOR), overseeing the full product life cycle from concept through market execution. This role supports one to two brands and may manage and develop Assistant Merchandisers. The Senior Merchandiser partners cross-functionally with Design, Sales, Sourcing, and Operations to deliver compelling, profitable assortments aligned with brand and customer strategies.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead development of seasonal line plan architecture for assigned brand(s) / category, translating business objectives, consumer insights, and market trends into a clear product strategy.
• Drive category strategy by identifying white space opportunities, emerging trends, and competitive insights to inform both seasonal and long‑range product direction.
• Own assortment architecture and SKU productivity by channel, balancing brand vision, customer needs, and financial objectives.
• Analyze retail and eCommerce sales performance to identify opportunities, risks, and actionable insights that drive assortment, pricing, and product decisions.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Design, Sales, and Sourcing to develop a commercially viable and brand‑right assortment across wholesale, eCommerce, and DTC channels.
• Own margin and profitability targets by managing costing, pricing, and financial performance at the program level.
• Lead seasonal product development from concept through adoption, ensuring alignment across design intent, consumer need, and business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement of merchandising processes, tools, and workflows (including PLM and calendar management) to increase speed, efficiency, and clarity across teams.
• Prepare and lead sales meeting strategies, product storytelling, and presentation materials to support key account meetings, market weeks, and trade shows.
• Oversee product development execution, including style set‑up in PLM, adoption processes, and handoff to sourcing and production teams.
• Partner closely with global suppliers and factories to manage development timelines, costing, and product quality, ensuring adherence to specifications and deadlines.
• Manage and maintain seasonal calendars, ensuring all milestones, deliverables, and cross‑functional dependencies are met.
• Mentor and support the development of junior team members while influencing cross‑functional partners to drive alignment and execution.
• Leverage digital tools and emerging AI technologies to enhance merchandising insights, forecasting accuracy, and decision‑making.
• Maintain strong communication across global teams, ensuring transparency, alignment, and timely follow‑through on all development milestones.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising, product development, design, or a related consumer products field.
• Accessories merchandising or design experience required.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong technical knowledge of raw materials, product construction, and manufacturing processes.
• Deep understanding of the end‑to‑end product development lifecycle, including PLM systems and cross‑functional handoff processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong analytical and business acumen, with the ability to translate data, consumer insights, and market trends into actionable product and financial decisions.
• Experience influencing cross‑functional teams (Design, Sales, Sourcing) to drive alignment and execution across complex initiatives.
• Understanding of assortment strategy across wholesale, eCommerce, and DTC channels.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including mentoring junior team members and driving accountability across teams.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and decision‑making skills with a focus on speed and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is a plus.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills for both internal and external audiences.
• Curiosity and willingness to adopt AI and digital tools to enhance merchandising insights and product development decision‑making.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 25%–30%; prior overseas travel experience is a plus.
• Ability to receive, lift, open, and unpack boxes containing product samples.

Core Behavioral Attributes

• Strong interpersonal and cross‑functional communication skills.
• Detail‑oriented with excellent follow‑through and organizational abilities.
• Highly adaptable with strong multi‑tasking capabilities.
• Customer‑focused and results‑driven mindset.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• 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.
• Commuter benefit plan.
• Optional supplemental life insurance, pet insurance, and accident & critical illness insurance at group discount rates.
• 401(k) plan.
• Unlimited access to our award‑winning online fitness and wellness program.
• A fast‑paced, collaborative environment with strong career growth opportunities.

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.