Footwear Merchandising Contractor

About the RoleThe Footwear Merchandising Contractor supports and develops a specific business category by helping drive category strategy, managing the product line's look and feel, and delivering financial and efficiency targets. The role partners closely with Product Managers on organization, line planning, product strategy, development, and launch activities, while evaluating category performance and building deep product knowledge across current lines, upcoming launches, and the development pipeline.You'll Make a Difference ByProduct Strategy:Responsible for managing a category - subject to review of the category leadMaking decisions for the category subject to review and approvalDeveloping footwear product line vision and strategy that integrates with the overall long-term vision for the ARIAT brandIdentifying market opportunities for Ariat in various market segmentsTaking primary responsibility for maintaining and updating all merchandising-related documents utilized by the product managerTaking lead in managing product samples for the Product ManagerPartnering with PM team with pricing, margin-related initiatives and accuracy of all printed & online materialsHandling packaging for the Product ManagerOverseeing product assortment and support with marketing and tradeshow coordinatorsGathering market data via selling reports, industry publications, events, and shows to help identify and expand on Ariat market opportunitiesSupporting the team in creating the strategy to present to product teams including: product boards, focus groups, event participation, competitive pricing analysis, and customer profilesParticipating in product brainstorms and assisting in setting up project lists and briefs in support of project listPresenting product to various groups of company VPs and sales team membersPerforming market research of various brands both western and mainstream - keeping a pulse on western brand launches and brand sitesBeing the centric & SAP master- support PM on all centric and SAP requirementsCollaborating and helping articulate target consumer demographics, psychographics and how Ariat footwear will fulfill "unmet needs"Product Line Planning:Collaborating and helping create and manage seasonal merchandising plans and manage projects through the development process.Partnering with seasonal market research and brainstormingPartnering with seasonal merchandising plansPartnering with seasonal creative product briefsPartnering with the product management team on the management of line reviews, pre-lines/market feedback, final line decisions and launch plansMarketing:Responsible to deliver data for packaging, hangtags, catalog, web site, and B2BCoordinating with Product Manager to ensure product is correct and available for photo shoots requirementsPartnering with Product Manager with prep for sales meetings, events, and customer visits.Managing requesting and accuracy of Product Sell Sheets.Sales Support:Contacting Sales Reps for follow-up on product meetingsAttending pre-lines on an as needed basisBusiness Management:Analyzing each season's selling by style and color as well as channel distribution.Partnering with Product Manager to identify close out or phase out opportunities and plan lifecycles of productCompleting weekly and monthly analysis on bookingsAbout YouBachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.Adapts quickly to change and growth.Maintains a professional and collaborative work environment with others.Requires problem-solving skills through gathering information and feedback from management and team members.Ability to multitask and adjust to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.Possesses and executes exceptional organizational and communication skills.Exhibits exceptional writing skills.Works within a collaborative Team Environment.Maintains Exceptional Interpersonal skills.Critical thinking and strategic planning needed to execute Principal Duties of position.Complies with company policies and procedures.Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.Knowledge of western industry is a plus, but not necessary.Interest in product merchandising and fashion preferredDetail-orientedAbout AriatAriat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style.The hourly range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00 per hour.The salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic locations. Ariat in good faith believes that this posted compensation range is accurate for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.This contract position may be eligible for select benefits through the payrolling agency. Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision insurance options and 401k.Ariat will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws. Ariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local law.Ariat is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to candidates with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process, email human.resources@ariat.com.Please see our Employment Candidate Privacy Policy at www.ariat.com/careers to learn more about how we collect, use, retain and disclose Personal Information.