Senior Merchandise Manager

Sweet Apparel Inc. is a fast-paced apparel manufacturer specializing in quick turn production for juniors, women’s, men’s, and kids’ clothing. The company is recognized for high standards in design, quality, and timely delivery to retail partners and brands. Teams collaborate closely across design, production, and operations to bring fashion-forward products to market efficiently.

The Beauty category is Sweet Apparel's newest venture! We are expanding our trend-driven approach beyond fashion into cosmetics and personal care with our own cosmetics line called Sweet Beauty. As well as continuing to leverage our manufacturing network and partner with beauty labs and brands for private label products.

Position Summary

We are growing and looking for a Sr. Merchandising Manager who will support the management and growth of our beauty division; playing a key role in driving brand strategy, product development, licensing partnerships, and overall brand growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and drive merchandising strategy, partnering with the Director on company-wide direction, creating compelling assortments to achieve financial goals and meet customer demands
• Take full ownership of established beauty, personal care, cosmetics, and fragrance accounts, serving as the primary point of contact for buyers
• Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers while identifying opportunities to expand and grow existing business
• Leverage data analytics, product insights, customer and market information to identify opportunities to drive continued business growth
• Develop seasonal and ongoing product assortments and line plans based on customer needs, market trends, and sales opportunities
• Lead line building from concept through execution, ensuring products are commercially viable and aligned with account requirements
• Communicate directly with factories and overseas vendors regarding product development, pricing, timelines, and execution
• Negotiate aggressively with buyers and vendors to secure profitable business and maximize margins
• Conduct regular competitive and market research/comp shops to identify trends, pricing opportunities, and gaps in the market
• Partner with buyers on upcoming seasonal goods, product opportunities, and assortment strategies
• Analyze account needs and market opportunities to proactively pitch new products and grow volume
• Identify key trends and opportunities that drive sales and revenue, and flag underperformance to inform upcoming product plans
• Leverage strong knowledge of the off-price beauty landscape to identify opportunities across retailers and channels

Qualifications

• 8 – 10+ years of experience in wholesale merchandising or buying, with a demonstrable track record in relevant product categories
• Proven experience at a brand that was scaling rapidly, you know what it feels like to build process and strategy in a fast-moving environment, and you thrive in it
• A career demonstrating solid leadership skills and cross-functional influencing skills; a proven ability to develop and implement new strategies in competitive business situations
• Deep expertise in wholesale merchandising, including knowledge of global supply chain, manufacturing, and both full-price and off-price distribution
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the judgment and confidence to drive a vision forward while navigating cross-functional complexity and organizational ambiguity
• Strong analytical capability: able to move between quantitative performance data and qualitative market instinct to make sharp, well-reasoned decisions; exceptional organizational and communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and deliver results in a deadline-driven environment; highly detail-oriented without losing sight of the strategic picture; creativity and sensibility for product and customer
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with SAP and PLM systems preferred
• Superior organizational and communication skills; team oriented and outgoing
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines; highly detail oriented and meticulous
• Strong analytical skills and fluent in retail math
• Ability to quickly identify market value drivers; prioritize and act on opportunities to position the business for growth.

What We Offer

• Health insurance
• 401k
• Paid time off and holidays
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities