Associate Franchise Merchandiser

Job Description 

This individual would be responsible to understand, track and communicate key Brand product strategies to our global Franchise partners. They will work directly with the corporate product team and the territory Franchise buyers to create the local version of our brand aesthetic. Success in this role will be highly dependent upon building and maintaining exceptional relationships with the Global Brands Product team, the local Territory Partner, as well as having a strong understanding of the desired Brand aesthetic. 

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.  

What Will You Be Doing? 

• Partner with Brand team to communicate branded strategies/priorities to partners and collaborate to integrate into local market needs; Anticipate gaps in the assortments and work with Brand teams to action
• Partner with Account and 3P Operations team to facilitate the buy and influence partners to invest; use relationships to build excitement from partners and drive revenue
• Collaborate with Account leaders and work with Franchise partners cross all regions (Americas, EMEA, and APAC) on OTB/Forecasting/Hind sighting 
• Monitor and track sales /KPI performance by brand/partner and address opportunities to grow sales
• Collaborate with retail teams to offer insights and influence the product assortments
• Influence the selection, plans, and allocation of all Kids product in the territory.
• Participate in selling / monthly business meetings working with Territory Franchise team to identify strengths, opportunities and recommended actions
• Participate in Annual and Quarterly Strategy meetings as well as any Onboarding/Training efforts for Territory Franchise teams.

What Do You Need To Bring? 

• Bachelor's Degree or related experience  
• 3+ years prior experience working in relevant industry roles in the product space
• Understanding of retail product development timeline/calendar
• Experience working well in a cross-functional team environment as well as with external partnerships
• Strong communication skills, including comfort in presenting and collaborating with all levels of leadership
• Openness to work across international time zones
• Motivated by business profitability and prospect of business growth
• Organizational skills & ability to manage many simultaneous workstreams
• Curiosity & eagerness to creatively solve problems
• Thrives in a "start-up" type business environment, susceptible to constant change and new process implementation
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs – esp. Excel, Powerpoint, and Word
• Desire to learn & hunger for more

Our Company  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs. 

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites , , and  

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We're proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

Benefits & Perks  

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you'll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company's culture and values, but most importantly – with you We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program
• 401(K) savings plan with company match
• Annual companywide review process 
• Flexible spending accounts 
• Medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Life and disability insurance 
• Associate assistance program 
• Paid parental and adoption leave 
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot 
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Mobile Stipend
• Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community 
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are "work from anywhere" days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year) 
• Seven associate wellness half days per year 
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands 
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within 
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups 
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER