Retail Merchandising Manager

Job Title: Retail Merchandising Manager
Location: New York, NY, 10018 (Hybrid – 2 to 3 Days Onsite)
Duration: 5-Month Contract (Possibility of Extension)
Pay Rate: $48.00/hr – $52.00/hr On W2

Position Overview:

• We are seeking an experienced Retail Merchandising Manager to support Apparel, Footwear, and Accessories (AFA) merchandising operations for Retail North America. This role will lead assortment strategy, buying, allocation, inventory planning, and product performance management while partnering closely with global merchandising, finance, operations, and distribution teams.
• The ideal candidate will have strong retail merchandising and buying experience, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to analyze business performance using Power BI and financial data.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with Global AFA and category teams to support collection development aligned with Retail North America business needs.
• Develop assortment strategies and lead end-to-end buying and allocation processes for Retail NA stores and Vaults.
• Coordinate Smart Shopper assortment planning with global teams.
• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising teams to support AFA product drops and field execution activities.
• Lead product buying reviews, performance debriefs, and product knowledge communication for leadership and field teams.
• Work with Distribution Center teams to manage drop calendars, inventory allocation, replenishment, and product flow.
• Maintain strong communication between assortment execution teams and global merchandising partners
• Troubleshoot product master data issues in partnership with master data teams.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional AFA initiatives and merchandising projects.
• Support inventory movement projects including obsolete inventory, store transfers, reporting, and related operational activities.
• Partner with Operations and Finance teams on recurring business requests including labor estimates and exclusion reporting.
• Support ad hoc product requests for events, PR, samples, and special initiatives.
• Build and manage reporting dashboards focused on inventory and product performance.
• Lead recurring product performance meetings and business reviews.
• Manage end-of-season sales and markdown activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Retail, Finance, Marketing, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in retail planning, buying, merchandising, or related functions
• Strong experience within the Apparel or Fashion Retail industry
• Advanced Excel skills (heavy Excel user required)
• Basic Finance and Accounting knowledge
• Experience with Power BI reporting and analytics
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with the ability to interpret data and business trends
• Experience with merchandising and planning systems such as DPM, RPAS, Planning Files, AFS1, and FMS1
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and retail systems
• Strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with international teams and global projects
• Background in apparel buying and assortment planning
• Experience managing inventory allocation and replenishment strategies

Additional Information:

• Hybrid work model with 50% remote flexibility.
• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized retail organization.
• Potential contract extension based on business needs and performance.
• This position is supporting a key retail function during a maternity leave coverage period.