Merchant/Category Manager
Department: Buying
Reports to: Director of Buying and Merchandising
Position: Exempt/Salaried
The Merchant will oversee and manage the essential functions of trend forecasting, product development and management of assortments to maximize the growth of Scandinavian Designs and Dania Furniture. The Merchant is an expert in supporting all aspects of product concept and management of assortments that reflect the core values of our brand. The Merchandiser will handle all matters for product line planning, vendor management and own the process from selection through the product life cycle. This is a non-remote position based in our Boise, ID HQ.
What You Will Do
- As the assortment owner, the Merchant will make business decisions for their products based on sales analysis, trends, competitive landscape, and business needs in order to maximize sales and profits.
- Develop and implement strategies for assortment needs to present to leadership and managers based on business and market trends.
- Continuously analyze product and sales performance for a variety of SKUs/categories to understand trends in the business and adjust as necessary to achieve brand goals.
- Work closely and partner with Vendors:
- To negotiate pricing, MOQ’s, order terms etc.
- Make new product decisions and recommendations.
- Find and on-board new vendors.
- Partner with Buying and Inventory to plan for seasonal buys, promotional activity, and new product launches.
- Partner with various departments on product related education and operation ranging from Marketing, Accounting, Operations, IT, eCommerce, Distribution Centers, Showrooms, Logistics, Customer Experience, Construction, and the executive team on strategic imperatives for the business.
- Collaborate with the Accounting, IT and analytics teams on financial projections and implement strategic pricing strategies.
- Develop and acquire merchandise through foreign and domestic travel based on predefined goals.
- Determine and approve advertising proposals and projections for multimedia, in-store promotions, and staff product education.
- Correct customer reviews, feedback from general managers, store managers and sales team members on matters and addresses quality issues and returns.
- Responsible for the professional development of teammates including team performance management and mentorship.
- Provide direction to creative for product copy execution and outline photography to best highlight product features.
- Perform other special projects or duties when required.
WHO YOU ARE
- Strong experience with domestic and international buying/merchandising from an operational and strategic approach to strengthen and improve the business.
- Passionate about furniture/home decor with an eye for spotting trends in the marketplace.
- Excel in leading a team and with strong self-initiative, able to work independently, collaboratively with inter-company departments and showrooms and able to meet tight deadlines.
- Love products and trends with the ability to interpret them back into merchandising.
- Able to attend buying trips as needed and travel to stores when required.
- Actively work to find solutions for problems and streamline processes to optimize workflow.
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to leadership and other members of the organization when needed.
- Take ownership over all aspects of buying for products and category and team management.
- High level of competence with MS Office.
- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.
- Prolonged sitting, standing, moderate reaching and occasional lifting up to 30 lbs.
- Occasional overtime and weekend work and travel to other locations.
- Our positions require successfully completing the pre-employment background check and signing a nondisclosure agreement.
Education: A bachelor’s degree in business, merchandising or equivalent experience.
Scandinavian Designs - Dania Furniture Offers:
- Benefits for Full-time Associates* including:
- No cost Health benefits for Associates on the single coverage plan.
- Opt-in for Dental and Vision.
- Health Savings Account (HSA).
- 401k with employer contribution (with 200% match).
- Work life balance – no overnight hours!
- Paid Time Off (PTO).
- Fun and rewarding work.
- Visually inspiring workplace.
- Family-oriented team environment.
- Regular schedule.
- Generous merchandise discounts.
- Pet Insurance.
- Tuition Assistance.
- Benefits eligibility depends on scheduled hours.
https://members.bcidaho.com/
A family business 60 years in the making, with over 50 furniture showrooms across the U.S. Our sister-brands (Scandinavian Designs and Dania Furniture) are a contemporary home furnishings destination rooted in a love for Nordic culture, modern design, and quality craftsmanship. We offer extensive product and sales training to facilitate career growth. Our compensation includes a competitive pay program, comprehensive health, and retirement benefits.
We're an equal opportunity employer to all. We interview and hire applicants of all backgrounds, orientations, expressions, and identities.