Leadership Development Program - Merchandising Full Time

2025-2026 Leadership Development Program - Merchandising Full TimeThe A&F Leadership Development Programs are highly competitive initiatives, unique for their entrepreneurial structure, and provide immediate exposure to senior level leaders. With a "promote from within" mentality, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. We want students who are motivated, creative, and strategic – natural leaders seeking to drive results in a team-based environment.The comprehensive programs will include:Combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job trainingRelationship with a mentor to guide learning in the new roleInteractive presentations from a variety of senior leaders in the companyAn open and inclusive learning environment with fellow associatesIntegrated social activities to help transition to Columbus and the unique corporate culture at A&FPreparation to effectively manage a portion of the business in one of our critical areas at Home OfficeMerchants are the leaders of the business, managing the strategy for millions of dollars of product each day. Entrepreneurial in nature, Merchants lead a cross-functional team to maximize the financial success of their product line and must possess the unique ability to be both analytical and creative daily. Merchants are the experts on our customer, understanding their lifestyle, behaviors, and preferences to predict and capitalize on market trends. From working with our designers to identify the next styles and trends for our stores, to analyzing sales and identifying growth strategies for the business, our Merchants are involved with every aspect of the product and the customer.What Will You Be Doing?Analyzing the customer through market, field and relevant social research to inform business & assortment actionsDriving the financial success and profitability of your product categoryCollaborating with cross-functional teams to develop business strategies and react to change while making calculated decisions based on current sales informationDissecting the competitive landscape and identifying emerging trends in the global market to deliver product that is aligned with the customer and market perspectiveDeveloping the assortment architecture for your given category while managing multiple product seasonsProviding comprehensive support of the product development process from sketch to finished productPresenting the product line and strategies to senior leadership, leading and contributing to selling analysis, customer insights, and trend ideasWhat Do You Need To Bring?Bachelor's DegreeMinimum 3.0 cumulative GPAPassion for the A&F brands, customer, and the roleProven leadership experienceAbility to thrive in team-based settings and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partnersDesire to take on the responsibility of running a portion of a multi-billion-dollar businessCapability to translate emerging fashion trends into the brand handwriting and heritageStrong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently with senior-level leadersAbility to balance between robust analytical capability and an interest in the creative processAbility to adapt and work in a fast-paced environmentDesire & curiosity to learn more!The A&F Full Time Leadership Development Programs offer competitive compensation packages for trainees. Other benefits include $8,000 in placement and relocation bonuses, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, industry-leading healthcare coverage, and company matching savings and retirement programs.To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA.Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com.At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We're proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you'll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company's culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:Incentive bonus programAnnual companywide review processFlexible spending accountsMedical, dental and vision insuranceLife and disability insuranceAssociate assistance programPaid parental and adoption leaveAccess to fertility and adoption benefits through CarrotAccess to mental health and wellness app, HeadspacePaid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your communityWork from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are "work from anywhere" days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year)Seven associate wellness half days per yearMerchandise discount on all our brandsOpportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from withinAccess to multiple Associate Resource GroupsGlobal team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.