AVP - Merchandising, Ann Taylor

About Us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, and Talbots. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

About The Role

This position requires a Merchandising leader with a strong business and product mindset to lead our Tops, Dresses, Skirts & Non Apparel categories. This role is responsible to develop and execute cohesive, omni-channel product strategies that drive the brand vision, provide leadership and direction to build relevant and profitable product assortments, and play a strong leadership role within the broader Merchandising function as well as the organization.

The Impact You Can Have

• Drive business and brand growth by developing and implementing a cohesive, omni-channel product strategies.
• Identify growth opportunities and maximize returns by balancing current trends, future trends, and past successes.
• Drive integrated, profitable, relevant seasonal product assortments that express the brand vision.
• Evolve strategies through an in-depth understanding of the brand vision, market, and industry.
• Analyze and drive business based on sales, history, company, and market trends.
• Identify and maximize business opportunities.
• Provide strong direction and collaborate with direct reports to execute Merchandising strategies and operations.
• Provide a challenging work environment, consistent leadership, clear expectations and regular feedback for direct reports and their teams.
• Partner with Design on seasonal alignment, sketch review, etc.
• Partner with Planning to execute seasonal plans/targets and identify risks/opportunities.
• Partner with Sourcing on developing product, while also achieving IMU targets.
• Partner with Marketing to deliver key Merchandising messages.
• Partner with Visual Merchandising to develop and maximize in-store presentation.
• In partnership with peers, ensure consistency of information, share best practices, and continuously streamline for efficiency.
• Orchestrate team effort to build and edit line based on knowledge of the business needs, fashion trends and competition.
• Competitively shop on a regular basis for current and appropriate fashion trends, price points and promotional opportunities.
• Streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and formulate and implement strategies to grow the business.
• Orchestrate the collaborate with other leaders to ensure that all categories contribute towards a cohesive collection.
• Provide consistent leadership, motivation, and direction to direct team as well as within the greater cross-functional team.
• Manage priorities and expectations to ensure team efficiency and effectiveness.
• Maximize cross-functional effectiveness.
• Partner with associates to provide a stimulating work environment.
• Build bench strength and retain key talent.
  
  

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• BA/BS in Business or Fashion Merchandising, or equivalent.
• 8-10+ years related experience, with experience in a vertical brand, preferably Women’s.
• Results oriented, high-energy leader with the vision, leadership and management skills required to direct, motivate, and inspire a team.
• Demonstrated problem solving and strategic planning skills.
• Client-oriented and forward-thinking.
• Sense of accountability for results that maximize contribution to business objectives.
• Exceptional communication, presentation and influencing skills.
  
  

The target salary range for this role is: $240K – $250K.

Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

Position Type

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.