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Associate Director of Merchandising & Planning

New York, NY

Studs is a category-defining ear piercing and earring brand named one of “the 10 most innovative companies in retail for 2023” by Fast Company. Studs connects ear piercing with aftercare and earring shopping to create an end-to-end Earscaping® experience. We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool, fun and welcoming environment, along with a wide earring assortment—all at an accessible price point.

Based in New York, the Associate Director of Merchandising & Planning will report to the SVP of Merchandising & Planning. You will be responsible for being customer obsessed and retail focused, ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time to maximize sales opportunities. This role will be integral to all aspects of the merchandising and planning lifecycle and collaborate closely with our Retail, Operations, and Finance teams.

Salary Range: $135,000 - $140,000, with equity

Key Responsibilities:

  • Merchandising Strategy:
    • Collaborate with the SVP of Merchandising to develop and implement long-term merchandising strategies that align with company goals, brand positioning, and customer preferences.
    • Lead the product selection and assortment planning process, ensuring alignment with seasonal trends, market demand, and financial objectives.
    • Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and consumer insights to inform and adjust merchandising strategies. 
  • Assortment Planning & Product Selection:
    • Manage the end-to-end planning process for product assortments across categories, ensuring a balanced and well-curated product mix.
    • Partner with production and Development to identify and select product assortments that drive customer engagement and sales growth.
    • Develop and execute merchandising calendars, ensuring timely product launches and promotional activities. 
  • Financial Planning & Analysis:
    • Monitor and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sales, margin, inventory turnover, and stock levels to optimize financial performance.
    • Lead merchandise financial planning, including sales forecasting, inventory management, and budgeting.
    • Work closely with the Finance team to set financial targets and manage pricing, markdown, and promotional strategies.
  • Inventory Management:
    • Oversee inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock levels are maintained across all channels, while minimizing excess inventory and markdown risk.
    • Collaborate with the supply chain and logistics teams to ensure on-time product deliveries and efficient distribution. 
  • Team Leadership & Development:
    • Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of merchandising and planning professionals, fostering a high-performance culture focused on innovation and results.
    • Lead cross-functional meetings with Merchandising, Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure alignment on merchandising initiatives.
  • Collaboration & Communication:
    • Communicate merchandising plans and performance insights to senior leadership and key stakeholders.  

Requirements:

  • 5-7 years of experience
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, market trends, and consumer insights
  • Experience managing financial planning, forecasting, and inventory management.
  •  Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
  •  Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional partners
  • Proficiency in merchandising systems, inventory management software, and Microsoft Excel
  • Driven, creative problem solver that consistently acts with integrity and speaks up
  • Owner’s mindset, with the ability to approach feedback and problems with a positive attitude.

Benefits & Perks

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including $0 in-network mental health visits, commuter benefits and 401k
  • HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
  • Additional mental health resources such as Talkspace and Headspace
  • Gender affirmation support services, EAP sessions and work/life resources 
  • Flexible Work Environment (3 days in office, 2 days work from home)
  • 4 weeks accrued Paid Time Off, 7 days accrued Sick Time, 11 paid holidays, and 4 Quarterly Wellness Days (where the whole team takes time off together to recharge)
  • Three months of paid Parental Leave (biological, adoptive, and foster parents are all eligible)
  • A paid sabbatical after four years of full-time service
  • Ongoing learning & development, opportunities for upward mobility, performance reviews, and consistent coaching to help you grow professionally
  • Discounts on piercings and products (we’ve got your friends and family covered too!)
  • Access to PerkSpot and additional benefits such as pet insurance, discounted tickets, personal finance coaching, healthy rewards and extended life insurance

Studs is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or any other legally protected status. Studs considers qualified applicants with criminal histories. We comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which we operate. If you require an accommodation for the application process, please fill out this form.

Click here for the Studs Privacy Notice for California Applicants.

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