JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title

Assistant Merchandising Manager

Reports to

Chief Merchandising Officer

Level

Level 3 – First Level Management

Status

Salary / Exempt

Job purpose

The Assistant Merchandising Manager supports the CMO managing and executing merchandising initiatives from conception to completion.

Duties and responsibilities

• Work with Chief Merchandising Officer in all aspects of development, design, and marketing of new products within the Albany Stationary and Accessory product lines. 
• Assist in the selection of new fabrics for market introductions and special customer projects. 
• Work closely with the Product Development Team in the creation of new ideas, products, and design for each new market rollout. 
• Research color and fabric trends through retail shopping trips in furniture and non-furniture environments. 
• Attend Interwoven Fabric Shows in High Point, NC 
• Attend High Point Market in April and October to launch new projects and meet with key customers. 
• Work closely with fabric mills on new project ideas, designs, and colors. 
• Assist with showroom layout, marketing and sales support materials and room scene photography with outside studio. 
• Create fabric to frame combinations to hit key price points and meet needs within the product line that hit both style and margin requirements. 

Experience, Education, Certifications:

Core Competencies

• Leadership skills, ability to lead a team through task/project conclusion.
• Proven working experience in merchandising.
• Highly creative with experience in identifying target audiences and devising campaigns that engage, inform, and motivate.
• Up to date with the latest merchandising trends and best practices
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Strong listening, presentation, and decision-making skills.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to “decode” customers.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Fashion Merchandising, preferred.
• Relevant Courses Studied - Textiles, Global Textiles & Apparel, Marketing Principles, Retail Marketing, Soft Goods Marketing, Consumer/Market Behavior, Advertising, Retailing, Consumer Problems, Merchandising, Management Principles, Non-store Retailing, Strategic Merchandising Issues, Accounting, Economics and Statistics. 
• Key Skills Needed
• Product Design 
• Leadership Skills 
• Detail – Oriented 
• Project Management 
• Team Player 
• Organized 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Working conditions

This job operates in furniture manufacturing office environment and may not always be climate controlled. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms and lift up to 25 pounds.