Senior Merchant

SUMMARY

We are seeking a dynamic Merchandising Manager to join our Product Management team. In this lead merchant role, you will support the overall assortment strategy, inventory management, and product life cycle for a highly SKU-intensive business with a diverse portfolio of product categories and in-house manufacturing. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

This hands-on role involves managing day-to-day tasks, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, markdowns, buy planning, receipt plans, store allocation strategies, gross margin, and overall inventory management. You will have a significant impact on new product development and growth, focusing on meeting consumer needs and differentiating from the competition.

We’re seeking candidates who are enthusiastic about learning, making a difference and are motivated by contributing to our success as we continue to innovate and grow in a competitive market.

LOCATION

Fort Worth, Texas (in office a minimum of 3 days)

REPORTS TO

Sr. Director, Product Management

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define product needs by classification/hierarchy to align with company objectives and manage the product assortment within a financial framework that meets or exceeds sales and margin plans.
• Maintain inventory levels based on open-to-buy, inventory turn, sales plans, and key budget/financial metrics.
• Create and execute an overarching product development approach that includes competitive assessment, a deep understanding of consumers and their end uses, and identifying new product categories or segments for profitable growth.
• Source, buy, and successfully launch products into retail stores in collaboration with new and existing vendors and the R&D manager.
• Drive growth and inventory management with the Commercial Sales division based on quick-turn/high-volume orders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, store operations, etc.) to communicate big ideas, key investments, strategies, and execution plans for stores.
• Understand the competitive set, including pricing and key messaging, and use this knowledge to drive retail execution.
• Translate product strategies into action plans and execute them to achieve division and department goals.
• Build relationships with vendors/suppliers through effective communication, collaboration, and planning.
• Monitor and track sales and sell-through weekly, reporting key findings and action plans during business reviews with management. Identify how current trends will impact future results and adjust as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends.
• Demonstrate a commitment to quality by reporting and reacting to returns data and customer feedback.
• Manage purchase orders with the direct report of a purchasing assistant, ensuring on-time delivery and system accuracy.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-7+ years of general merchandising experience
• Deep knowledge of retail landscapes managing complex categories within an omni-channel environment
• Experience in maintaining inventory levels based on financial metrics
• Demonstrated success in product development, sourcing, and supplier management
• Proven ability to align product needs with company objectives and manage assortments within financial targets
• Innovative thinker who synthesizes consumer insights, trends and competitive analysis to make informed product decisions
• High energy, self-starter with the ability to manage quick turnaround situations demonstrating problem-solving skills, the ability to work within the grey in a high-performance environment
• Possesses the ability to manage up, down and across with results
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills, managing direct reports and delegating effectively
• Balanced creative and analytical thinking
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to learn and utilize in-house systems

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Our Company is committed to equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical and/or mental disability, age, creed, arrest records, genetic predisposition or carrier status, and/or participation in lawful activities outside the workplace.

ABOUT TANDY

Tandy Leather Factory, Inc., (http://www.tandyleather.com), headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a specialty retailer of a broad product line including leather, leatherworking tools, buckles and adornments, leather dyes and finishes, saddle and tack hardware, and do-it-yourself kits. Tandy Leather distributes its products through its 106 North American stores located in 40 US states and 6 Canadian provinces, and one International store located in Spain.