Supports Divisional Merchant/Sr. Merchant and Merchant teams in developing and managing the product assortments, vendor partnerships and ongoing product category business. Works with cross-functional partners to execute the product assortment strategy in accordance with the sales, margin and turnover goals for the assigned product category. multitaskThis is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays. A day in the life as a Merchandising Assistant... Support Merchant team through vendor partnership and communication Support Merchant team in building and maintaining assortment plans and SKU counts Support Merchant team by working with cross-functional partners to execute assortment strategies. Work with Catalog/Marketing team to execute in-season product assortment. Communicate promotional details to all cross-functional partners. Provide SKU/ assortment information to Merchandise Operations for input Develop recommendations for product assortment strategies, based on targeted research and analysis, to achieve specific margin objectives. Execute exit strategies as needed. Conduct competitive intelligence and use information to identify opportunities and challenges for in-season business and future seasons Support Merchant teams with negotiating product costs, terms, and shipping/return issues Support Merchant teams by investigating and handling field and/or store issues What you'll bring to the table… Strong detail orientation, organized, ability to multi-task Strong oral and written communication skills sufficient to communicate credibly and effectively at all levels of the organization Team player with a focus on collaboration Proficient learner of planning and Merchant systems Microsoft Office proficiency, including Microsoft Excel We'd love to hear from you if you have… BA/BS preferred Previous experience in merchandising and/or related experience preferred