Merchandiser - Rosemont - Randa Corp.

Description

Randa Apparel & Accessories is one of the world's leading fashion clothing and accessories companies, operating across 11 countries with a portfolio of 30+ iconic brands, including Haggar, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Totes, Isotoner, and Columbia Sportswear. With over 100 years of industry leadership, RAA continues to produce exceptional products and services, delighting customers and empowering partners worldwide. From the #1 dress pant brand in North America to the #1 belt and wallet, RAA sets the standard for excellence and innovation
We empower our associates, create growth opportunities at every level, and strive to make RAA the best place to build a career.
Want to work at a diverse, equitable, & inclusive workspace where associates are encouraged to bring their true, authentic selves?
Apply today and fashion your future with RAA.
Location: Chicago, IL
Salary Range: $65,000 - $76,000
Schedule: Hybrid (3 days in-office / 2 days remote)
Position Summary:
The Merchandiser is accountable for developing the seasonal line architecture within their area of responsibility (AOR), ensuring that the assortment aligns with brand strategy, consumer insights, and financial targets. This role leads the full product life cycle-from concept development through adoption-for upcoming seasons. The Merchandiser may oversee multiple brands and may provide leadership, guidance, and workload direction to Assistant Merchandisers to ensure flawless execution across all milestones.
Essential Job Functions:

• Analyze Business Performance & Trends:
  • Review historical selling with the Design team, evaluate market and consumer trends, and provide data-driven recommendations to inform seasonal product strategies
• Drive Seasonal Line Development
  • Partner closely with Design to develop the seasonal assortment, offering guidance on style direction, color palettes, and key product opportunities to ensure alignment with brand and merchandising objectives.
• Lead Presentation & Line Review Preparation
  • Manage all aspects of presentation readiness by collaborating with Sales to understand meeting requirements and deliverables. Prepare samples and visuals for key account meetings, market weeks, and trade shows, including pulling and organizing physical product
• Manage Product Adoption & PLM Accuracy
  • Oversee the product adoption process by executing style setup in PLM, facilitating handoff meetings with Sourcing Coordinators, and ensuring accuracy of product details, specifications, and costing
• Manager Seasonal Calendar Execution
  • Maintain and drive the production calendar and lead times to ensure all seasonal milestones, cross-functional deliverables, and critical presentations are completed on time to maintain deliveries.
• Coordinate Daily Communication with Suppliers
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with suppliers, managing ongoing communication around sample status, product questions, costing updates, resourcing needs, and adoption timelines.
• Oversee Prototype Development
  • Work directly with factory partners to initiate sample requests. Review prototype samples for accuracy, ensuring they meet all technical specifications and quality standards before moving forward.
• Manage End-to-End Sample Lifecycle
  • Oversee all aspects of sample management from the merchant side, including forecasting sample needs, submitting sample requests, tracking sample flow across internal and external partners, ensuring timely delivery, organizing samples for fittings and presentations, and maintaining accurate documentation of sample status throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support Additional Business Needs
  • Perform additional tasks and special projects as assigned to support overall merchandising, product development, and cross-functional business objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in merchandising consumer products, design, or product development
  • Prior experience in accessories design
• Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of raw materials and finished goods manufacturing processes
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Experience with Adobe Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop) a plus
  • Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems or similar tools
• Leadership & Communication
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience and/or proven leadership skills
  • Excellent presentation skills for internal and external stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and creative communication skills
• Additional Requirements
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25-30%; prior overseas travel experience is a plus
  • Ability to receive, lift, open, and unpack product sample boxes, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and multi-tasking abilities
  • Customer-focused and results-driven mindset

What we Offer:

• Competitive base salary.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Three weeks of paid time off within the first year of employment.
• Company provided life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and paid parental leave.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance options with low employee contributions.
• Commuter benefit plan.
• Optional supplemental life insurance, pet insurance, and accident & critical illness insurance offered at a group discount rate.
• 401(k).
• Unlimited access to our award-winning online fitness, and wellness program.
• A great place to work, fast-paced, with terrific career growth