Merchandise Manager

About Athleta

For the past 22 years, we've committed ourselves and our brand to a single aim: to empower all women and girls. Inspiration. Collaboration. Connection. Inclusivity. It's what we do best, and we're on the hunt for people who share our passion for leading an active lifestyle, growing personally as well as professionally, and creating game-changing products and experiences.

We use business as a force for good by putting people and the planet right up there with profit, which is why Athleta is a certified B Corp. Ready to make a move? Join us. Because we know that alone we're strong, but together we're unstoppable.

About the role

Athleta is seeking a product obsessed, strategic and innovative merchandising leader. Your job is to build a seasonal assortment that makes her look and feel amazing as she seamlessly transitions through her life in motion. Think performance meets fashion.The Merchandise Manager role requires a leader who has a deep understanding and appreciation for technical performance product that's as beautiful as it is innovative. You are equally passionate about product as you are about building high performing teams. You'll need to straddle the strategic and creative worlds by collaborating with cross functional partners to deliver a new breed of versatile premium performance and lifestyle product for all channels. In this role, you will lead a team of entry to senior level merchandisers. The Merchandise Manager role is director level reporting into a Sr. Director of Merchandising (DMM).

What you'll do

• Develop Athleta's quarterly big ideas by combining knowledge of the competitive landscape with a strong eye for fashion trends observing details and seeking inspiration from the runway and performance.
  
• Develop multiple department level pricing recommendations and strategies
  
• Provide information to develop key concepts, key items, promotional strategies and assortments that are commercially viable and provide exciting store experiences in line with the brand's strategy.
  
• Execute the transfer of product knowledge seasonally to all marketing partners, ensuring product features, fabric & fit are accurate and used correctly in all marketing vehicles
  
• Ensure the financial success of multiple departments by meeting or exceeding retail sales & gross margin sales plans.
  
• Develop and establish annual and seasonal financial plans while clearly communicating the priorities of managing multiple seasons
  
• Know the competition inside and out with respect to financial condition, trends, marketing and product strategy; react accordingly to ensure market leadership
  
• Effectively select, coach, manager and develop a high performing team
  

Who you are

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of experience including 5-7 years of retail buying experience with 2-4 years of management experience; ideally working in a high growth business and have a performance background.
• Willing and able to travel to the market as needed
• Ability to think objectively and interpret meaningful themes from quantitative and qualitative data
• Ability to evaluate financial and business indicators and translate data into actionable information to drive results; proficiency in retail math
• Excellent at setting priorities, fostering cohesion and inspiring cross functional teams
• Able to use rigorous logic and methods to solve problems with effective solutions
• Able to build constructive and effective relationships with a broad and diverse group of business partners
• Willing and able to travel to the market as needed

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