Strategic Merchandise Optimization Specialist

Merchandise Manager

Employment Status: Full-time (40hrs weekly)
Location: REMOTE in Oregon
Schedule: M-F, 8-5/flex according to business needs

Who We Are

The Asher House is a registered non-profit sanctuary in Oregon. We rescue animals that have been discarded or unwanted, providing them with a life of comfort, love, and adventure. For over two years, their Founder, Lee Asher, traveled across 49 states to promote dog adoption and spotlight various shelters and rescues. After his Pitbull Stella passed away, Lee was determined to fulfill his lifelong dream of creating a sanctuary, where animals could feel treasured, protected, and free. In late 2020, Lee discovered a large parcel of property which was the perfect setting to turn his vision into a reality! We are here to help people have better days and get animals adopted. The Asher House is on a mission to make the world a better place, one rescue animal at a time!

Reports To

The Merchandise Manager will report to the Director of Administration.

Job Overview

As the Merchandise Manager, you will maintain the merchandising calendar and planning, maintain best-in-class merchandising and buying standards, and operational strategy for The Asher House.

This role will be responsible for the following:

• Leads the development and execution of strategic merchandise plans to maximize product sales through merchandising trends/pricing and products for organizational branded merchandise.
• Conducts and oversees the analysis of selling trends and manages the reorder process.
• Works with leadership to evaluate and set distribution standards for assigned merchandise assortment(s) and assesses the capabilities of suppliers/partners to meet those standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and reconciles quality and/or fulfillment concerns to ensure quality standards are consistently met and inventory merchandise as needed.
• Respond to all customer email support including, but not limited to, managing refunds, returns, and order follow ups.
• Gathers information for product quotations, examines bids, negotiates product costs, and awards contracts to supplier/partners, as well as, reviewing and analyzing invoices for accuracy of goods delivered.
• Monitors associated merchandising costs, performance schedules, and scope of assigned contracts/subcontracts to ensure customers are getting the best quality at the best value.
• Recommend changes in procurement processes to improve service, quality, and/or reduce costs.
• Monitors online inventory to ensure the flow of products remains positive and creates and maintains executable inventory plans and reviews opportunities for new business.
• Some weekend work is required and will include attending organizational events, set up, sales, inventory, and trips to the fulfillment center as needed.
• Act as a responsible and compassionate representative of The Asher House at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent business experience.
5 years’ experience in business or related field, with minimum 3+ years in merchandising, planning, or buying.
End-to-end merchandising experience in procurement, demand forecasting and planning, and vendor relations preferably within eCommerce and retail is required.
Powerful collaboration and communication skills.
Comfortable in a high-growth environment with constantly shifting priorities; you have the ability to be reactive and organized at the same time.
Ability to work with a team and be a good team player.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with outside vendors and customers.
Flexibility and ability to work from a home office.
Ability to travel to meet vendors and suppliers to pick up products and deliver to fulfillment centers as needed
Advanced knowledge and experience with Shopify platform.
Graphic design experience.
Experience working in or with a fulfillment center.

Physical Requirements

Often requires lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 lbs.

Working Conditions

Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required.
Working at home office.

This is a remote position.