Location: Reynoldsburg,OH, USA
DescriptionAt Bath & Body Works, everyone belongs. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture focused on delivering exceptional fragrances and experiences to our customers. We focus on recruiting, retaining, and advancing diverse talent where our associate population is as diverse as the communities we serve, live and work. In addition, we work to improve our communities and our planet in a way that will make us proud for years to come because we believe the world is a brighter, happier place when everyone has access to the things that make them happy.We invite you to join Gingham Nation, where we invest in our associates through competitive compensation, benefits, and development opportunities, so they can continue to be their best at work, at home, and in their communities.The Associate Merchant is responsible for driving the execution of the creative product development, patterning market trends across industries, identifying white space opportunities for category growth, and cascading information to cross-functional teams for specific categories. They will assist in the delivery of sales and profit growth by helping manage the commercialization of new product launches, analyzing consumer insights to support key brand priorities and/or initiatives.ResponsibilitiesSpecifically, this position will:Lead growth-driving brand strategy and planning with support from the Sr. Merchant, including new product development, building new processes and tools, internal associate education and training, competitive patterning, performance analysis and hindsightingLead the creation of internal presentations to executives and cross-functional teams, from concept brainstorming to drafting documents to preparing meeting materialsResponsible for accurately coordinating new development projects, including process paperwork (e.g. Strategy Briefs, Design Requests, Commercialization Briefs for all products, sampling), Running communication flow to cross-functional team membersCollaborate with Commercialization Services to build and monitor timelines, anticipate / communicate issues and drive deliverable dates on time.Supports the Merchant in driving new projects that represent the Brand and align with the company's growth strategiesShare result driving insights, customer feedback, and in-store merchandising opportunitiesDrive the testing process for the category. Maintain and lead meeting cadence in regard to testing. Lead team in keeping documents up to date and meeting deadlines around testing initiatives.Drive project management, meeting preparation and follow up, report evaluation and analysis. Associate merchants are expected to provide their POV and recommendations based on category strategyResearch the competition: understanding emerging ideas in the market and recommend growth opportunities for the brandVisit stores regularly to proactively solicit feedback from customers and sales associatesQualifications1-3 years of related work experience in brand development, merchandise buying and/or retail managementCapability to take away direction and drive projects with minimal supervisionAn eye for business with analytical and retail math skillsAbility to quickly identify market trends and brainstorm white space ideas for the businessComfortable navigating grey areas in process and tracking tools and proactively coming up with ideas to build those outProven strength in creating process and timelinesDemonstrate a passion for product and customer satisfactionBe a self-starter and work independently producing accurate workAbility to influence and lead through challenges, problem-solve and build a cohesive teamExceptional ability to enhance cooperative working relationshipsAble to multi-task and prioritize with a strong sense of urgency and ability to handle the stress that comes with working in a change-agile work environmentSystems and computer proficiency (MS Office-Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel)EducationBachelor's degree or equivalent work experienceCore CompetenciesLead with Curiosity & HumilityBuild High Performing Teams for Today & TomorrowInfluence & Inspire with Vision & PurposeObserve, Engage & ConnectStrive to Achieve Operational ExcellenceDeliver Business ResultsBenefitsBath & Body Works associates are the heart of our business. That's why we're proud to offer benefits that empower you to Dream Bigger & Live Brighter. Benefits for eligible associates include:Robust medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage. Plus, access to our onsite wellness center and pharmacy located at the Columbus, OH home office.401k with company match and Associate Stock Purchase program with discountNo-cost mental health and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Opportunity for paid time off, paid parental leave. Plus, access to family and lifestyle programs including an inclusive family building benefit, childcare discounts, and home, auto and pet insurance.Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education programs40% merchandise discount and gratis that encourages you to come back to your senses!Visit bbwbenefits.com for more details.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws. Please see links: Los Angeles Fair Chance In Hiring Ordinance, Philadelphia Fair Chance Law, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not make employment decisions based on an individual's race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status, and we comply with all laws concerning nondiscriminatory employment practices. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for associates and job applicants with disabilities. Our management team is dedicated to ensuring fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, associate activities and general treatment during employment. We only hire individuals authorized for employment in the United States.Application window will close when all role(s) are filled.