Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: Up to $75,000
Job Title: Merchandiser, Footwear
Job Summary: Ground Up International is seeking an experienced Product Merchandiser to lead our footwear business. As a key member of the Design & Product Development team, you will develop and lead the execution of footwear merchandise strategy while simultaneously delivering financial goals and business objectives. We are looking for someone who has exceptional judgment, a deep understanding of the footwear industry & a keen eye for new and developing trends, and a love of product and storytelling. This role will be vital to growing and scaling both our wholesale partners and owned brand strategy.
Who we are: Ground Up is a premier footwear manufacturer retaining an integrated portfolio of licensed and owned brands and has grown to be a leading supplier. The company's unique capability to design and translate fashion trends offers a fresh perspective on licensed footwear. Ground Up was created with the vision of fulfilling the need for fun, innovative products for the true brand enthusiast. As our product entered the market, we found consumers wanting to express themselves and their fandom in new, creative ways. Consumers connect with us through our brand partnerships, giving them brands they love with a brand they now trust. Ground Up has become a recognizable brand for the whole family that stands for elevated fashion and fun.
We aspire to have our teams embody our core values of:
- Service
- People
- Teamwork
- Opportunity
- Result
- Innovation
- Trust
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a branded and owned brand merchandising strategy that is customer-focused
- Analyze and understand product trends, sales data, and historical data to manage in-season opportunities or risks.
- Partner with the Design, Production & operations team to manage the footwear business down to the category level in conjunction with seasonal financial targets
- Actively manage sales, receipts, margin, and inventory goals
- Develop seasonal line plan to guide design and production on development of new products and brands
- Manage new and existing brand partnerships with a focus on growing exclusive product offerings
- Strategically scout new vendors & styles to support key product strategies through competitive market research
- Partner with Marketing and Creative to produce events of high marketing, storytelling & sales power across all our channels
- Maintain comprehensive awareness of the footwear market with a focus on trends and brands to maintain edge on competition
- Lead major company milestone meetings to ensure strategies are communicated effectively and have proper buy-in from key stakeholders
- This role will support the seasonal briefing by co-authoring new creation and new material/color/ graphic briefs, as well as supporting the creating of seasonal line plans.
- Assist in managing the product lifecycle from concept to launch, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
- Educate the team on consumer analysis of what's trending, illustrate consumer insights, and make recommendations to team. We want this person to be consumer obsessed and in-tune with that's happening in the “now”
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required plus 4+ years of footwear product industry experience.
- Industry experience with footwear design/creation, development, and product life cycle management.
- Ability to develop business relationships cross functionally with key stakeholders.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills. Must be able to communicate effectively based on the audience.
- Excellent sales skills including outreach management and negotiation
- Strong experience using Open to Buy and assortment plans to drive the business
- Highly detail-oriented and organized
- Thorough understanding of the market, trends, and upcoming brands
- Superior oral and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel
- Most importantly, you have positive energy with a collaborative spirit and a growth mindset
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
GUP Perks
- Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k plan & access to employee recognition programs.
- Paid vacation, holidays, Eternal Summer Fridays, birthdays off & more!
- Friendly, fun, creative & collaborative work environment.
- Ground Up International is an equal opportunity employer.