Merchandise Team Leader

**POSITION TITLE**:Merchandise Team Leader
**REPORTS TO**:Store Team Leader
**STATUS**:Full Time Non Exempt
**SUPERVISES**:Store Associates

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The Merchandise Team Leader supports the Store Team Leader and is responsible in achieving sales goals, meeting merchandising brand standards and delivering operational excellence through effectively leading a high performing team. The Merchandise Team Leader is expected to role model AEO values and AEO Customer First behaviors in all actions and interactions in order to create a positive Customer First experience.

**ESSENITAL FUNCTIONS**:
Put the customer first through Visual Merchandising by delivering flawless execution in Windows, Floorsets, Marketing and 5 Standards to drive Traffic and deliver our seasonal brand and product message.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Visual & Operational Execution**
- Maintain 5 S standards on the sales floor, cash wrap and fitting room ensuring store environment is safe for employees and customers.
- Manage all visual directives, mapping and floorset are properly planned, scheduled and executed seamlessly within allotted timeframe.
- Generate and analyze merchandise reports and make necessary brand appropriate merchandising moves to maximize presentation and drive sales.
- Supervise and participate in the efficient and productive handling of all merchandise from shipment receipt and processing, floor-sets, markdown optimization, Flex Fulfillment and replenishment systems while maintaining backroom Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
- Oversees and ensures efficiency of all daily operational procedures.
- Executes all daily operational procedures and supports the leadership team to ensure the store audit compliance and shrink results meet company loss prevention standards.

**Leadership**
- Motivate and inspire the team by developing and delivering a compelling vision and purpose which encompasses American Eagle Outfitter’s Core

Values
- Act as the leader on duty and consistently models the brand customer service standards and Customer First selling behaviors.
- Hold the store team and self-accountable for achieving all brand, performance and behavior standards.
- Build effective relationships with associates, peers and supervisor to develop a high performing team and customer-centric culture
- Lead and participate in productive weekly leadership meetings that align with and drive the business strategy.
- Proactively seek personal learning and development opportunities to build leadership skill set and enhance individual performance
- Comply with all AEO Inc. Loss Prevention standards and provide a safe environment for associates and customers.
- Ensure all associates training and development initiatives are executed in a timely manner

**Drive for Results**
- Analyze reporting and daily sales trends to make real-time strategic business decisions to drive results.
- Lead the use of technology to enhance customer engagement and drive KPI results (BOSS, Store to Door, Social Media).
- Evaluate store sales and payroll goals on a daily basis using payroll reports and tools; make scheduling adjustments to meet business needs.
- Support the Store Team Leader in the execution of the short and long term store business plans to drives KPI results and maximizes business opportunities to include CRM, Loyalty and technology.
- Effective use of technology to enhance customer engagement and drive KPI results (BOSS, Store to Door, Social Media)
- Contribute to the achievement of all store financial, revenue and expense targets.

**Talent Management**
- Recruit, hire, develop and retain sales associates to ensure the store is sufficiently staffed to meet the needs of the business.
- Train, develop and coach the associate team; provide appropriate level of performance feedback to increase confidence and capability.
- Drive employee engagement by recognizing and rewarding employees for outstanding performance.
- Ensure that all associate team adheres to all employment practices and policies.
- Consistently assess and provide ongoing performance feedback through real-time coaching, scheduled touchbases, individual development planning and the performance review process.
- Manage compensation decisions in partnership with the Store Team Leader and District Team Leader for service team.
- Develops succession plans to ensure career paths for all associates; encourages associates to pursue internal opportunities.
- Recognize and properly resolve customer and performance issues; communicate high priority issues to the Store Team Leader and District Team

Leader in a timely manner and collaborates to develop a plan for resolution to minimize risk.

**_Updated April 2019 _**

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Minimum high school education or equivalent.
- 2+ years of retail or equivalent management experience preferred.
- Ability to lead a team; delegate and follow up.
- Ability to develop and train others.
- Knowledge and understanding of employment laws including