Vendor Merchandise Assistant

THE DEPARTMENT

Our Merchandise team plays a critical role in building strong product assortments across bridal, fashion, watches, and more. We focus on curating high-quality, competitively priced fine jewelry to meet evolving customer needs. Through close collaboration with Store Operations, Ecommerce, Performance & Brand Marketing, we aim to drive revenue, enhance customer experience, and ensure optimal inventory performance.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vendor Merchandise Assistant plays a key role in supporting the merchandise and planning organization by building and maintaining strong relationships with vendors supplying products and services to Helzberg and the BH Jewelry Group (BHJG). This position ensures vendors consistently meet contractual obligations by delivering high-quality products on time, while proactively communicating organizational updates and market changes that may impact demand. The role drives the development and management of merchandise strategies to achieve sales, margin, and inventory goals, while maintaining product quality standards. The position collaborates cross-functionally with Marketing, E-Commerce, Distribution, and Store Operations, and serves as a liaison between vendors, buyers, and digital teams through new product offerings and improved UI/UX functionality, ultimately contributing to operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall business success 1. Vendor Relationship Management Manage and cultivate external vendor relationships within the Merchandise and Planning organization, supporting all BH Jewelry Group (BHJG) store locations. Serve as the primary liaison between vendors and internal teams (Merchandising, Marketing, E-Commerce, Store Operations, etc.). Resolve vendor-related issues and communicate solutions aligned with company objectives. Monitor, analyze, and report vendor performance through Vendor Report Cards. Oversee vendor chargebacks and quality control performance, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution. 2. Cross-Functional Communication & Coordination Facilitate collaboration between internal stakeholders and vendors to support successful planning and execution of trunk shows across all BHJG stores, including optimized assortments and inventory levels. Coordinate and manage communication for meetings, including agenda development and documentation of key takeaways and action items. 3. Product & Pricing Management Maintain accurate product and SKU data across all company systems supporting BHJG stores. Oversee product setup processes, including specifications, quality control, and testing. Manage online product presentation, including image assets, SKU accuracy, and product descriptions to ensure consistent and engaging customer experience Ensure returns are processed in compliance with RTV guidelines Track and analyze product performance across all sales channels for all BHJG locations. 4. Product Development & Forecasting Coordinate product lifecycle activities, including quotations, sample management, product feeds, testing, and RTV notifications. Support new product development initiatives and business line expansion opportunities across BHJG stores. Special Projects Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional meetings across BHJG, partnering with teams including Stores, IT, E-Commerce, Creative, Marketing, Special Orders, Learning & Development, and Accounts Payable. Develop and maintain detailed project timelines, ensuring alignment and on-time delivery of key milestones. Oversee SKU creation, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Create and distribute training materials and resources to support effective internal adoption and execution. Produce and deliver monthly performance reporting, highlighting key insights, successes, and opportunities by Division, Region, and Store. Partner with Customer Service teams to enhance and maintain a seamless, customer-focused experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have any direct reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, or related field. Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant retail or merchandise/vendor management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Excellent communication, organizational, and team collaboration abilities. Strong project management and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, formulas). Experience with Tableau or Power BI preferred. Hybrid work schedule : 3+ days/week onsite required.

COMPETENCIES

Analytical Thinking Business Acumen Clear Communication Integrity & Ethics Accountability Teamwork & Collaboration