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About the Role

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

Responsibilities

Develop the AE Women’s Accessories 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 opportunity in partnership with Merchandise Planning.
Strategically develop and execute financial plans by department, line, and classification working with internal business partners.
Develop, drive and support achievement of financial goals for the Women’s Accessories categories, including sales, gross margin and comp plans.
Communicate effectively to coordinate all functions of the design, planning, merchandising, and allocation teams.
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 regarding receipts, sales, margin, markdowns, and weeks of supply in conjunction with planning.
Analyze performance and plans consistently to identify sales and margin opportunities that can exceed plan.
Adapt quickly to changes and trends occurring in the business and marketplace.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of chase third-party and internal product to react to business and industry trends.
Work with design, technical design, product development, production, marketing, web, and visual merchandising partners to achieve strategic product and financial goals.
Maintain high awareness of the AE and Accessories specific customer, competition, and global fashion trends.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive third-party assortment on a seasonal basis.
Identify new third-party vendor opportunities and lead outreach.
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.
4+ years experience in a leadership role.
Experience managing third-party vendors and maintaining long-term relationships.
Strong product and trend perspective.
Understanding of fashion designer labels and how to interpret their seasonal stories/messages for the AE customer.
Excellent analytical and creative skills.
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 the appropriate use of 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 MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.

Skills

MS Office Suite
Outlook
Internet applications

Location

New York City, NY

Work Type

Hybrid Schedule

Experience Level

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

Education Level

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

Salary/Compensations

Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.

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 and other incentives

About the Company

American Eagle is a youth culture brand grounded in denim. Our purpose extends beyond making the best jeans–we embrace self expression, culture, optimism and connection. Through the brand platform Live Your Life, we empower our community to be who they want to be all while wearing the clothes that make them most confident.
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.

Equal Opportunity

We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.
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.