At Build-A-Bear we believe in the power of imagination, creativity, and memorable experiences. Our mission is to add a little more heart to life by creating unique experiences, lasting connections, and beloved memories that create lasting emotional connections. We are a multi-channel, site-based experience and entertainment company, with diversified categories and consumer segments. We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Merchant to join our dynamic team.
The Merchant's primary responsibility is to drive business growth, achieving the plans set forth by the organization, maintain the strength of existing businesses and enhance the guest experience through the development and execution of compelling product assortments across omni-channel platforms. This includes developing and executing the merchandise assortment, strategy, and buys for all products within a key segment of the business.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive merchandise strategy that aligns to business goals
- Plan and manage omnichannel assortments for key segments of the business and execute product buys
- Cultivate close working relationships with Planners to align buying strategies and inventory management, collaborating on determining optimal order quantities
- Observe and assess sales and market trends, focusing on future data and upcoming trends to inform buying decisions and identify opportunities for innovation and growth
- Continuously adapt the strategy to meet evolving business needs, maintaining a forward-looking vision that anticipates future trends and opportunities
- Analyze top sellers and marketing impact, driving initiatives to support business plans and optimize performance
- Create and deliver engaging and persuasive presentations to key stakeholders
- Collaborate and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure business success
- Maintain fluency in industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation and maintain the company's position as a leader in the retail space
Required Qualifications:
- 3-5 years buying/merchant experience
- Bachelor's degree
- Expert Data Analysis
- Proficient with Microsoft Office
- Proficient with PLM systems
- Engaging presentation skills
P referred Qualifications:
- 6+ years of previous merchant experience
Behavioral Traits for Success:
- Driven to achieve results that align with the strategic goals of the organization
- Initiative, sense of urgency, and the ability to stay focused on results despite changing conditions
- Decision-making is focused on implementing practical and timely solutions
- A natural leadership style that trains and engages others in an enthusiastic way
- Effective delegator
- An analytical, inquiring, and critical mind that solves complex problems
- Can consider all possibly related facts and potential issues
- Intellectual confidence
- Able to weigh all decisions carefully and thoroughly, based on expertise in order to avoid risk
- The ability to deal with abstract concepts, systems, and ideas
Working Environment:
- Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
- Corporate Office located St. Louis, MO
- Hybrid work schedule
Your Performance Will Be Measured On:
Your performance will be measured by your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following.
- Decision-making, judgment, and execution
- Product assortment, pricing, procurement, and product lifecycle management
- Omni-channel management
- Managing the business strategy against market trends
- Able to communicate complex issues in a clear and concise manner
- Presentations that effectively sell ideas and secure internal support and product adoption
- Deadlines, Accuracy, and Quality
- Stakeholder Feedback