Category Merchandising - Aquent Talent : Job Details

Our client is seeking a Category Merchant - Women's Training Footwear who excels in utilizing trends, historical data, and consumer insights to develop profitable and consumer-right assortments for the market. This role requires strong strategic visioning, blending art and science to create compelling assortments, and leveraging collaboration across multiple functions, both regionally and globally. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced retail environment and has a consumer-first mindset, influencing assortments that align with marketplace trends and business objectives.

• Develop and execute strategic, consumer-led assortments that align with marketplace and business needs.
• Utilize trend analysis, historical performance, and consumer insights to build profitable and compelling product strategies.
• Partner cross-functionally with Global and Regional Merchandising, Planning, Allocation, Brand Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Analytics teams to deliver an aligned assortment strategy.
• Balance and manage multiple seasons simultaneously, ensuring consistency in execution and alignment with long-term business objectives.
• Drive consumer-product storytelling across different merchandising dimensions, ensuring a data-driven and trend-forward approach.
• Lead seasonal reviews, assortment planning, and product selection to optimize retail success.
• Influence cross-functional teams through strategic visioning and effective communication to drive decision-making.
• Monitor and analyze key retail and digital metrics (e.g., sell-through, margin, full-price realization, weeks of supply) to inform future strategies.
• Equip marketplace partners with tools and insights to understand seasonal priorities and consumer engagement opportunities.

We seek a consumer-driven merchant with a strong eye for product, retail acumen, and analytical skills who thrives in a high-energy, evolving retail environment. The ideal candidate:

• Is passionate about footwear, retail, and consumer insights and understands the importance of a data-driven approach.
• Has a keen understanding of the market and consumer landscape within women's training footwear.
• Can translate insights into action, creating assortments that balance business objectives with consumer demand.
• Enjoys collaboration and influencing cross-functional teams to drive a unified marketplace vision.
• Possesses a solution-oriented and agile mindset, capable of working autonomously when necessary.
• Is detail-oriented, ensuring consistency and executional excellence in all aspects of merchandising.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Industry Experience: 5+ years of Merchandising experience in Footwear or Apparel within a vertical, multi-brand, or digital environment.
• Retail & Business Acumen: Strong command of KPIs such as sell-through, margin, inventory management, and consumer engagement.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to balance short-term and long-term business goals, leveraging both quantitative and qualitative insights.
• Collaboration & Influence: Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Communication & Presentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with comfort in navigating a cross-functional matrix.
• Product Passion: Strong trend awareness and an ability to identify consumer-right products that align with brand and business objectives.

This role is perfect for a forward-thinking, consumer-obsessed merchandising professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is eager to drive impactful product strategies in women's training footwear.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $40.20 to $44.67 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.