Summary

Working with general supervision, the Merchandising Associate is for executing the merchandising objectives for a class/subclass of merchandise. This includes, assisting the merchant with creating and maintaining vendor relationships, marketing products, developing product line strategies and reporting financial results. The Merchandising Associate assists with making buying decisions for the assigned category and negotiates terms with suppliers to drive item selection and pricing. This position also ensures that details and approvals are accounted for in the process of implementing the concept, aligning all cross functional team members and various GameStop vendors in order to drive change. In addition, the Associate in the role will work closely with leadership on optimizing store design to positively impact financial results. This position will also work across cross-functional organizational business units primarily collaborating with merchandising, logistics, marketing and other internal teams to successfully drive projects from concept to store execution. Associate may interact with his or her supervisor several times a week, perhaps daily, to receive guidance and feedback. Some routine activities may require a supervisor's advance approval.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*

Assists Merchant with influencing the supplier management strategy to support overall department strategy and works to improve all aspect of supplier relationship
May serve as a key contributor on various other key projects. New supplier set-up - the merchant would negotiate the terms, once agreed upon the associate merchant coordinate and review for accuracy all needed documents for approvals
Assists Merchant with Implementing the financial strategy/ cost structure for a category and sets pricing. May set pricing and strategy for class/subclass
Assists Merchant with developing merchandising strategy to understand key business drivers (e.g. historical performance, industry/ competitive landscape, consumer segmentation) May serve as a key contributor on various key projects within a business function
Assists Merchant with executing the business review of category/ categories on a regular basis; determining changes to product mix to better optimize assortment and drive innovation
Responsible for all weekly vendor reorder reviews & new item set up while communicating all changes with the Merchant. Accurate typing and data entry skills are required
Coordinates assets and SKU lists for all marketing needs while compiling SKU lists for franchise flyers/visual teams
Submit promotions for marketing vehicles
Provide Accounting with timely and accurate records of all Marketing Coop and BER activity
Collect and document all marketing contracts on a timely basis including transmitting contracts to Vendors
Accurate and timely proofing of advertising materials including but not limited to: online FSI, print media, -store signage, storefront windows, marketing books, shopping guides and USED/Trade signage
Model the high level of customer service expected of all GameStop associates including, but not limited to, responding to voice mails and emails within organizationally defined timeframes, completing projects as committed, responding to others' feedback appropriately, and making optimal use of organizationally limited resources by offering assistance to other functional teams when appropriate

RELATED COMPETENCIES

Business Advising - Creating valued business partnerships with internal customers; proactively identifying business opportunities for internal customers; conveying a firm understanding of the customer's business drivers.
Business and Analytical Acumen: Using product and industry information to understand and improve business results; understanding major business functions, industry trends, and GameStop's position to contribute to effective business strategies and tactics.
Building Trusting Relationships - Using appropriate interpersonal styles to establish effective relationships with customers and internal partners; interacting with others in a way that promotes openness and trust and gives them confidence in one's intentions.
Influential Leadership - Creating and executing influence strategies that persuade key stakeholders to take action that will advance shared interests and business goals.

BASIC AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE)

Associate's degree required, with accredited study in business management, merchandising, marketing, logistics, or financial analysis - two years of relevant buying experience in a retail setting may be considered as a substitute; Bachelor's degree preferred
At least 1-2 years of prior work experience required; merchandising experience preferred
Proven experience in merchandising execution, visual presentation, inventory management, channel management, and supplier management
Proven proficiency in both a brick and mortar and online retail environment
Experience managing a large number of vendors simultaneously

Minimum Qualifications, Job Skills, Abilities

Must be eighteen years of age or older
Must be legally permitted to work in the United States
Proficient written/verbal communication and presentation skills using spoken English
Expert understanding of internal and environmental sales drivers
Expert in merchandising and retail planning
Expert communication, negotiation, and analytical skills
Proficient execution skills with the ability to negotiate pricing terms
Ability and willingness to work in a highly cross-functional environment
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Specialized with Excel
Ability to work independently
Proficient understanding of relevant products to make purchasing decisions
Proficient ability to meet demanding, evolving and potentially overlapping deadlines through proficient contingency planning
Working knowledge of the video games and the retail gaming industry preferred
Proficient typing and data entry skills
Ability to work collaboratively with others; conducts working relationships in a manner acceptable to others and to the organization
Expert ability to communicate effectively with others using written and spoken English including the ability to provide clear, constructive feedback to team members; bilingual English/Spanish communication skills preferred
Proficient ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others; conducts working relationships in a manner acceptable to others and to the organization
Proficient knowledge of Windows based business computers and Microsoft Office programs; specifically Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, and Word
Proficient understanding of retail merchandising practices
Proficient ability to demonstrate diverse and entrepreneurial thinking
Working ability to work under demanding time constraints and production goals
Proficient project planning skills, including the ability to organize, prioritize and control job responsibilities in order to meet deadlines in an environment with overlapping and potentially conflicting priorities
Typically requires overnight travel 5%-20% of the time, as well as travel to local stores
Proficient relationship building skills, including the capacity to predict and manage behavior, build and leverage cross-functional partnerships within and outside of the organization, and leverage influential leadership
Expert ability to work under demanding time constraints and production goals
Expert project planning skills, including the ability to organize, prioritize and control job responsibilities in order to meet deadlines in an environment with overlapping and potentially conflicting priorities
Proficient ability to solve functional problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
Working knowledge of employee development: talent assessment, competency-based development, motivation and reward
Working ability to effectively recruit, hire, coach, train, develop, retain, and redirect others as needed in order to produce a successful team
Expert ability to model consistently GameStop's commitment to a respectful, diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment
Consistently demonstrates a commitment to GameStop policies and procedures, including but not limited to, attendance, confidentiality, conflict of interest, and ethical responsibilities