Merchant, A&F Women's Dresses

Merchandising is the central function setting the course for our brands’ product; the hub of the wheel that ensures all teams are moving in the right direction to deliver a beautiful, compelling and profitable assortment. Working hand-in-hand with our design, sourcing, and planning teams, merchants are the bridge between the strategy and creative direction of their line. Our merchandising teams possess a blend of analytical ability and creative thinking, drawing from historical data and market trends to craft an assortment that stays true to our brands and excites our customer. This role specifically is on A&F Women’s Dresses – a top volume-driving department for the Brand Gender, and a focal category at the company!This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, OH.What You’ll DoContributing to the assortment strategy of Must Dominate division by influencing decisions at every stage of the product lifecycle; from concept and product development, to buying and pricing, marketing and promotions.Utilizing keen trend eye to identify growing trends and uncover whitespace product lines, while marrying new ideas with knowledge of the customer to create product that is on-trend and rooted in our customer’s mindset.Diving into the interests and preferences of our customer by observing shopping patterns, lifestyle behaviors, shopping our competitors, seeking out feedback from our stores, and monitoring social media, with the ability to translate insights into product-facing actions.Collaborating cross-functionally with Design and Sourcing teams to create a line that promotes product excellence while meeting various financial metrics.Working closely with Planning to drive a strategy that maximizes key areas of the business and meets the financial targets of the category and total brand.Serving as the expert in current selling analysis and historical selling knowledge for your department.Presenting to senior leadership weekly, with a focus on clear, concise storytelling, including presentations on selling analysis, business strategies, style information and trend ideas.What You BringA Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience5+ years of apparel Merchandising or Buying experienceProven leadership experience and ability to thrive in team-based settingsPassion for the merchant role, fashion retail and the Abercrombie & Fitch brandAn acute eye for product and trendStrong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently to leadershipA deep understanding of sales analysis and financial metrics that relate to your businessA high comfort-level with analytical sales tools and proficiency in Microsoft Office applicationsA collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brandWillingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed by the departmentOur CompanyAbercrombie & 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. Benefits & PerksAs 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 of 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!