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About the Role

Responsible for developing and driving the product strategy and achieving the financial performance goals for the AE Women's Bottoms category, from pre-concept through final product stages and monitoring in-store execution and performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop the AE strategy and buy merchandise mix to support and define the brand.
• Work closely with the Design team to interpret and forecast trends for assigned areas and divisions specific to the target customer.
• Establish strategic plans for sales, markdowns, inventory, and growth opportunities in partnership with Merchandise Planning.
• Strategically develop and execute financial plans by department, line, and classification.
• Develop, drive, and support achievement of financial goals for assigned categories, including sales, gross margin, and comp plans.
• Communicate effectively to coordinate all functions of the design team, planner, merchandise analyst, and assistant.
• Negotiate with vendors to develop merchandise with the best possible price/value relationship using knowledge of fabric, cut/make/trim, and sourcing locations.
• Manage the Open To Buy in conjunction with planning, covering receipts, sales, margin, markdowns, and weeks of supply.
• Analyze performance and plans consistently to identify sales and margin opportunities that can exceed plan, adapting quickly to business changes/trends.
• Develop and execute major test floor sets with ongoing management and communication with the design team for the in-season testing process.
• Achieve strategic product and financial goals for the department by working with design, technical design, product development, production, marketing, web, and visual merchandising partners.
• Maintain high awareness of the customer, competition relative to product quality/value, and global fashion trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or equivalent required.
• 6+ years prior buying experience from a specialty retailer.
• 6+ years experience in a leadership role.
• Aggressive and passionate individual.
• Keen sense of fashion exhibited through personal taste.
• Understanding of fashion designer labels and how to interpret their seasonal stories/messages for the Aerie customer domestically and internationally.
• Excellent analytical and creative skills to challenge the planning and design sides of the organization.
• Demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy.
• Risk Taker - Carefully considers risk/reward, ready to try new ways of doing things to improve learning.
• Forward Thinking/Innovative – Not satisfied with the status quo, ahead of the times, advanced views, creating something like nothing done or experienced before.
• Persuasive - Able to motivate others through appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods to gain acceptance of a product, service, or idea.
• Strategic – Possesses the ability to conceptualize and understand risks facing a business as well as the ability to create a strategy surrounding a specific opportunity.
• Build creative solutions and plans that meet objectives and maximize impact.
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Travel is required, including the potential for international travel.
• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.

Skills

• Fashion Merchandising
• Business Acumen
• Trend Forecasting
• Merchandise Planning
• Financial Planning
• Vendor Negotiation
• Open To Buy Management
• Performance Analysis
• Product Development
• Market Awareness
• MS Office Suite
• Outlook
• Internet Applications
• Analytical Skills
• Creative Skills
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Budgeting Skills
• Project Management Skills
• Planning Skills

Location

• New York City, NY

Work Type

• Hybrid Schedule
• In-Person Connection Required

Experience Level

• 6+ years prior buying experience
• 6+ years experience in a leadership role

Education Level

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or equivalent

Benefits

• Generous Associate Discount
• Summer Fridays
• Casual Dress Code
• Hybrid Schedule
• In-Person Connection
• FOMO (Fun Office Moments Only) Events
• Health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental)
• Wellness benefits
• 401(k) retirement benefits
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee stock purchase program
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Parental leave and benefits
• Discretionary bonuses
• Other incentives

About the Company

• American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
• Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last.
• In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.
• At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates.
• Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.
• We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.

Equal Opportunity

• AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws.
• AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge.
• AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.