Job Description
Title: Associate Merchant - AE Women’s Fleece
Reports To: Merchant - Fleece & Sweaters
Location: This role will be based in our New York Design Office
About American Eagle
American Eagle is a youth culture brand grounded in denim. Our purpose extends beyond making the best jeans–we embrace self expression, culture, optimism and connection. Through the brand platform Live Your Life, we empower our community to be who they want to be all while wearing the clothes that make them most confident.
Get to Know the Role:
The Associate Merchant for Fleece is responsible for driving the strategic execution and daily management of a high-volume, product-led category. This role requires a unique blend of strategic analytical thinking and hands-on, tactile product passion.
You will manage and develop an Assistant Merchant, analyze and report on sales data on a weekly basis, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to drive category growth. Simultaneously, you will be immersed in the product lifecycle, driving execution from end to end, which includes partnering on sample management, helping facilitate and manage Purchase Orders, and handling fabric commits with vendors in partnership with Planning and Production.
What You’ll Do:
- Drive and execute a strategic Omni product vision and business plan for the Fleece category through seamless communication and coordination with Design, Production, and Planning.
- Directly manage, coach, and develop one Assistant Merchant, establishing clear goals, prioritizing daily tasks, and fostering their professional growth within the merchandising career track.
- Drive end-to-end execution of the product lifecycle by partnering on sample management, facilitating and managing Purchase Orders (POs), and securing fabric commits with vendors in close collaboration with Planning and Production.
- Analyze and report out on sales performance weekly, identifying immediate volume and margin opportunities to maximize topline revenue and mitigate markdown risks.
- Partner with the Planning team monthly to manage the Open-to-Buy, dynamically adjusting strategies based on current category trends.
- Collaborate with Planning to rank the landed assortment, optimizing buy quantities based on targeted category opportunities.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the full fleece assortment, tracking its development from initial concept to final execution across all styles, silhouettes, and fabrications.
- Maintain total data integrity across all internal merchandising systems and assortment tools, tracking style details, colorways, and delivery cadences from concept to site launch to ensure clear assortment visibility at all times.
- Keep a constant pulse on the competitive landscape, benchmarking both Brick & Mortar and Digital competitors to make informed, brand-right business decisions.
What You Bring:
- Experience: 3+ years of experience as an Assistant Merchant and/or Associate Merchant in a fast-paced specialty retail environment.
- Leadership: Proven experience managing or formally mentoring at least one direct report
- Action-Oriented Mindset: A proactive, can-do attitude with a strong sense of urgency and the adaptability to navigate ambiguity in a dynamic work environment.
- Tactile & Strategic Balance: The unique ability to operate in both a strategic and deeply hands-on capacity, balancing big-picture thinking with day-to-day operational execution.
- Product & Trend Passion: A keen sense of the latest fashion trends, fabrication, and wash techniques, with the ability to interpret them for the AE customer.
- Analytical Skills: Strong financial proficiency with the ability to analyze weekly sales data and utilize Google Office Suite to drive business decisions.
- Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional organizational and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence partners and act as a seamless liaison between cross-functional teams.
Perks: Why You’ll Love it Here
- Generous employee discount
- Summer Fridays
- Casual dress code
- Hybrid schedule
- FOMO events (Exciting company-wide events)
Pay/Benefits Information:
- Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
- Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
- Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here.
- AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.
Get to Know AEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.
At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO
We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Please see more about our initiatives
here
AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.
Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.
