Senior Merchandiser - Franchise

About Athleta

We believe that being fit and active makes life richer and bigger than it could possibly be otherwise. And we're always looking for people who share our passion for leading an active lifestyle, growing personally as well as professionally, and creating game-changing products and experiences.

Collaboration is a real thing here - because we know that individually we're strong, but together we're unstoppable. Athleta is a certified B Corporation, which means that we put people and planet right up there with profit, and we're committed to using business as a force for good.

About the role

The Franchise Senior Merchant will own and oversee the merchandise strategies for the Athleta Franchise business, driving seasonal product strategies to meet market specific needs. This role will be accountable for delivering annual financial goals, driving the execution of Franchise Market, and owning Franchise needs in brand milestone meetings. They will partner with cross-functional team members to deliver Brand key concepts, key items, and assortments across multiple formats (SIS, FSS, Online) to ensure that the collection is commercially viable and provides an exciting customer experience. Initiatives they will manage and execute include development of franchise exclusives, regional assortment strategies, developing lineplans, and analyzing the business for product recaps, seasonal midsights, and seasonal hindsights. Position will be based in SF HQ and will be part of the Gap Inc Franchise Product team, partnering with Athleta Global Merchandising, Franchise Planning, Product Operations, Store Experience and Marketing.

What you'll do

• Partner with cross-functional team members to deliver Brand key concepts, key items, promotional strategies and store assortments to ensure that the collection is commercially viable and provides an exciting customer experience.
• Eliminate redundancies in the product assortment.
• Position investments to ensure that smart risks are being taken, basic businesses are protected and financial targets are met.
• Validate costing and placement strategies with Production.
• Identify business opportunities and risks for pre-season and in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information.
• Change future Department strategies in-season where needed and provide appropriate and timely direction to the cross-functional team in order to react quickly to customer and business trends.
• Actively listen to all members of the cross-functional team to ensure that innovative ideas are surfaced and acted upon, and that the team feels ownership in the business.
• Share information cross-brand and cross-channel where appropriate.
• Partner with employees to provide them with the appropriate tools and training for their development.

Who you are

• Bachelors degree.
  
• 3-5 years of retail buying experience & 1-3 years of management experience.
  
• Experience as a Merchandiser or equivalent.
  
• Demonstrate the organizational ability to facilitate multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Direct subordinates effectively towards the accomplishment of tasks and goals.
  
• Delegate responsibility and decision-making appropriately to other personnel.
  
• Ability to transport, maneuver and visually evaluate merchandise.
  
• Ability to travel Domestically and Internationally.
  

Benefits at Athleta

• Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet.
• One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.*
• Employees can take up to five "on the clock" hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.*
• Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee's base pay.*
• Employee stock purchase plan.*
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.*
• See more of the benefits we offer.

*For eligible employees