Senior Category Merchandising Manager (Kids Apparel)

Aquent is excited to partner with a world-renowned global athletic and lifestyle brand, offering you an unparalleled opportunity to drive significant impact. This organization is a leader in its industry, dedicated to inspiring athletes and consumers worldwide through innovative products and experiences. As a trusted partner, Aquent provides you the chance to contribute directly to the success of an iconic brand, shaping the future of a key apparel category and influencing what millions experience globally.

Step into a pivotal leadership role where your strategic vision will directly shape the product merchandising for a dynamic apparel category. This is your chance to own a full season cycle, from initial concept to market execution, leaving an indelible mark on product offerings. You will be at the forefront of critical decisions, translating deep marketplace insights into compelling assortments and guiding key business strategies. This role is perfect for a visionary leader ready to articulate a clear direction, inspire collaboration, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where your initiatives drive significant business outcomes and influence consumer experiences.

What You Will Do

• Lead and mentor a merchandising team, serving as the primary expert and guiding force for your assigned category.
• Spearhead the product merchandising strategy for a key apparel category, defining its vision, direction, and long-term roadmap.
• Collaborate closely and daily with Product, Planning, and Marketplace teams to seamlessly align assortment, product flow, and go-to-market initiatives.
• Develop and champion a compelling vision for apparel, effectively influencing and securing buy-in from critical stakeholders across the organization.
• Transform deep marketplace insights into impactful strategic assortment decisions tailored for the market.
• Deliver persuasive and data-driven recommendations to cross-functional partners and senior leadership, driving pivotal business choices and strategic direction.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive merchandising experience, with a strong preference for apparel.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Proven people leadership and team management experience is essential.
• Strong command and understanding of marketplace dynamics and consumer trends.
• Fluency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Keynote, coupled with polished, impactful presentation and communication skills.

What Will Set You Apart

• Background specifically in kids apparel and/or sports/athletic apparel.
• Account-facing experience, demonstrating an understanding of client needs and market demands.
• Exposure to product creation processes, from concept to launch.
• Prior experience working with a large, globally recognized athletic or lifestyle brand.