Title: Anthropologie Merchandise Assistant - Decorative Accessories + Trim

Reports to: Associate Buyer

Overview: As a Merchandise Assistant (MA), you will support the daily operational functions within your designated buying area; support the buying team in managing the overall merchandise flow. You will also learn to develop key cross functional relationships with both the market and internal partners: distribution center, design, and production. The MA is also responsible for partnering with the Buyer and/or Associate Buyer on all necessary tasks.

Product Responsibilities

• Own web turnover: Manage web photo sample request process
• Support product development process through sample management
• Request presentation samples of all items on order(for PR, web photo, meetings) and ensure they are timely, organized, prioritized and present upon request/ problems with availability are addressed pro-actively or immediately
• Responsible for all tracking, shipping and receiving including returning samples to vendors in a timely manner
• Accurately and efficiently communicate changes/ updates to cross functional teams and critical partners
• Ability to balance/understand priorities for sample needs
• Conduct weekly web audit to ensure all styles and colors are activated, look for issues/ errors, read customer reviews and report back to team in internal Monday morning meeting
• Become an expert in your product assortment and a source of information for team on product launches and sample locations

Team/ Leadership Responsibilities

• Maintain courteous, professional email/ phone and interpersonal relationships with cross-functional partners and vendors
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude
• Attention to detail and follow-through projects to completion
• Ability to multi-task, organize and problem-solve
• Manage meeting requests, as well as provide agendas/ recaps
• Develop well thought out comments and opinions using both POV and data to contribute to business meetings (product reviews, customer feedback etc.)
• Suggests opportunities for process improvement, greater organization or efficiency
• Display the ability to find work and offers to help teammates during down time or crunch time
• Remain flexible as team priorities shift

Negotiation/Vendor Relations Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with current vendor base
• Own sample inquiry communication

Business Acumen

• Participate in business analysis on a weekly basis by preparing samples, picture pack, reports and other documentation using OTB, velocity, and attribute report and color projections for all business needs and contributing/participating to the pre-Monday meeting
• Consistently provides all relevant and requested information in a timely manner, keeps partners informed and anticipates needs/ questions
• Exhibit an understanding of their role in the business and can speak to their point-in-process, as well as communicate potential challenges and opportunities proactively

Strategic/ Conceptual

• Understands team member responsibilities and works to support them
• Continuously looks ahead to anticipate any team needs and identify opportunities to improve process
• Visits stores regularly to connect with/ better understand our customer
• Displays curiosity, asks questions, probes for clarity and understanding

Qualifications

• Must exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail Oriented Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment with sense of urgency
• An understanding of the customer's wants and needs and the ability to identify the appropriate product/trend that will appeal to the customer and meet their expectations.
• Ability to prioritize projects and handle multiple tasks.
• Must demonstrate creative thinking.
• Rudimentary understanding of retail math
• 1-2 Years retail experience or internship.

Urban Outfitters, Inc. celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.

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