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MERCHANDISE SPECIALIST / PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Submit Resume
Job Title:
Merchandise Specialist / Product Development
Job Location:
Mid Atlantic
Relocation:
Limited
Position Level:
Assistant
Position Report To:
Manager
Position Responsibilities:

The Merchandising Specialist will be responsible for supporting the Associate Director of Product Development with conceptual creation of new products, to ensure the successful execution of new product launches for both the company and several Key Accounts.  This position will also be responsible for market research, program planning, and establishing product specifications as well as requesting and finalizing quotes with suppliers. 

  • Oversee program timelines for customer presentations and brand programs to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Conduct detailed competitive analysis of both customers’ and competitors’ product and programs as well as retail market analysis.  Prepare trend reports and make recommendations based on analyses.
  • Research trends across a variety of industries including, but not limited to: Party, Home Décor, Fashion, Toys and Pinterest to help develop future direction.
  • Build a strong relationship with suppliers to uphold our quality and performance standards.
  • Present recommendations for additions/deletions for catalog and customer programs.
  • Identify new product opportunities at retail: develop new product concepts and create new product presentation and sales materials.
  • Create Master Project Listing (MPL) for each program being developed.
  • Collaborate with design team and vendors to create product specs.
  • Create quote sheet/line list for quotations and communicate directly with vendors/Far East suppliers. Confirm that pricing for each item has been received and approved.
  • Collaborate with Product Development Specialists to communicate all details of go-forward programs and expectations of program follow-through.
  • Work directly with Sales Team to assist them with key account support.  This includes, but is not limited to: assisting in analyzing account sales, providing recommendations for additions and deletions to existing programs, developing specific items for accounts, and creating plan-o-grams and other merchandising vehicles in addition to providing needed sales materials and samples.
  • Assist in the layout and proofing of catalog copy and mechanicals and collaborate with designers to commercialize new products.
  • Review completed mock-ups alongside creative team to ensure accurate representation of products prior to customer presentation.
Percent Travel:
Direct Reports:
Yes
Experience Required:
  • 5-8 years of experience related to product development, buying, or marketing of consumer products preferred
  • Experience sourcing and working with domestic and international vendors and factories preferred
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast paced dynamic team environment.
  • Ability to translate market trends to internal strategy implementation.
  • Must have strong organizational skills along with excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Analytical thinker with above average problem solving and follow-through skills required.
  • Must have intermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Power Point, Excel and Word.
Education Required:
BS/BA pref.
Other Remarks:
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Base Salary:
70000 (low): 65000 (high): 75000
Sign on bonus:
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Bonus Potential:
No
Bonus %:
target How Much (low): (high):
Total Estimated Compensation:
Stock Options:
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Car:
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Car allowance:
Other Benefits: