Merchant - Outerwear

**About MEC**
- At MEC, we believe the transformative power of the outdoors makes us better humans and drives us to do good for the planet. We are here to inspire and support everyone in getting active outside, matching people with gear and advice that instills confidence. We offer more than products; we offer passion for the outdoors. We play with purposeOur business model is dependent on impassioned and well-trained outdoor enthusiasts and as such we look for individuals who live our purpose and fit with MEC ethos and lifestyle. If you are that person, we’d love to connect with you. Join us**The Opportunity**

The Merchant - Outerwear will create merchandising strategies that drive MEC product and merchandising vision, while driving assortment concepts and buying strategies that support member-centric decisions and targets. You'll be an expert on the MEC member needs and understands how to guide trends based on consumer data, feedback, and macro and micro economic factors. The role is action oriented, and comfortable taking calculated risks to better serve members and MEC; outcome focused, critical thinker with the ability to analyze and visualize, and drive continuous improvement across our entire business**Location: This is an hybrid role based at MEC’s Head Office in Vancouver.**

**As a Merchant, you’ll be**:

- Managing the product life cycle of a multi-million-dollar portfolio and delivering the sales, margin and inventory efficiency targets.
- Accountable for all aspects of the profit and loss for the Climb portfolio as well as proactive/reactive management to ensure forecast, sales, markdown, marketing, gross profit and inventory targets are met or exceeded.
- Complex stakeholder management within the category including Planners, Allocators, Analysts, Web Merchants, Marketers and Store Operators that depend on accuracy of the work of the Merchant.
- Managing the work of a Merchandise Analyst. This will include directing and overseeing their work along with providing feedback on both quality of work as well as general feedback on performance.
- Management of vendor relationships within the Climb category including responsibility for negotiating with National Brand partners on behalf of MEC members. In many cases owning the relationship with the vendor for the entire MEC business.
- Develop category strategies that align with the merchant framework and portfolio strategies/financials through the use and review of multiple data sources.
- Conduct item level assortment analysis and determine assortment decisions, including coverage of needs analysis for priority sub-categories, vendor optimization, SKU optimization, price ladders, brand strategy and development.
- Source new items, brands, negotiating costs, discounts, and advertising support.
- Develop, communicate, and execute strategies that will deliver a clear competitive advantage in a very aggressive industry.
- Build a compelling seasonal and on-going merchandising strategy that will drive MEC vision, while achieving sales targets and satisfy members.
- Determine product assortment so that it best addresses member needs and MEC objectives.
- Own pricing strategy and decisions, including promotional planning and markdown activity. Oversee POs process from item set up to PO release and follow up.
- Develop effective advertising, merchandising and store marketing plans to fully leverage the items within your portfolio to maximize their contribution to MEC.
- Review departmental sales with inventory partners to optimize inventory performance.
- Manage product evolution through entire go-to-market process.

**Ideally, you’ll be bringing**:

- 1+ years of buying experience, managing large portfolios.
- Private Label or Store Brands experience is an asset
- Postsecondary education in a related field.
- Strong negotiation skills and an understanding of the finesse and subtle nuances needed in negotiating with large vendors.
- Understanding of the importance of analysis and planning; can organize, prioritize, and delegate in a challenging multi-tasking environment.
- Communication skills: Strong interpersonal skills, a good listener, good communicator, and solid presentation skills.
- Computer skills: Primarily Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and a solid Process Management.
- Experience managing a direct report.

**The Compensation & Perks**- Work-life flexibility
- Option to be hybrid or remote within Canada
- Variable annual incentive plan
- Generous annual vacation allotment
- Paid Care time (Wellness/sick)
- Retirement Plan, matched contributions up to 4%
- Maternity and Parental leave top-up
- Staff Discount and amazing deals straight from vendors
- Top-notch benefit plan
- Paid days to pursue outdoor activities and/or volunteer in your community
- Career development opportunities