About the Role The Footwear Product Merchandising Intern will coordinate and assist product managers with overall organization, samples, line planning, product strategy, development process, and launch activities. The intern will assist with business analysis of product categories as well as develop knowledge of products including current line, upcoming launch seasons, and those in the development pipeline. In this position you will be trained to be a key driver of a specific business responsible for developing the category strategy, managing the look and feel of the product line and delivering to the financial and efficiency targets of the category. Other tasks may be assigned. You'll Make a Difference By Product Strategy: Maintaining and updating all merchandising-related documents and logs produced and/or utilized by the product manager. Managing product samples for the Product Manager Assisting PM team with pricing, margin-related initiatives and accuracy of all printed & online materials. Coordinating and executing in Packaging for the Product Manager Gathering market data via selling reports, industry publications, events, and shows to help identify and expand on Ariat market opportunities. Supporting Product Manager in creating the strategy to present to product teams including: product boards, focus groups, event participation, competitive pricing analysis, and customer profiles. Taking notes at all meetings to publish action items for the product teams. Attending concept, proto-type, and line close meetings Participating in product brainstorms and assisting in set up of project list and briefs in support of project list. Proofing line list, price list, and merchandising plan for accuracy once completed by administrator. Performing market research of various brands both western and mainstream – keeping a pulse on western brand launches and brand sites Product Line Planning: Collaborating and helping create and manage seasonal merchandising plans and manage projects through the development process. Assisting the PM with seasonal market research and brainstorming Assisting the PM with seasonal merchandising plans Assisting the PM with seasonal creative product briefs Assisting the PM with management of line reviews, pre-lines/market feedback, final line decisions and launch plans. Attend weekly product team meetings. Create task list from all meetings attended and follow up on completion along with Product Manager Reviewing product development calendar for any issues or conflicts Representing Product Manager in meetings as needed Following up on sample deliveries – proto, line close, and sales samples Marketing: Proofing to include: Packaging, hangtags, catalog, web site, and B2B Coordinating with Product Manager to ensure product is correct and available for photo shoots requirements. Assisting Product Manager with prep for sales meetings, events, and customer visits. About You Adapts quickly to change and growth. Maintains a professional and collaborative work environment with others. Requires problem-solving skills through gathering information and feedback from management and team members. Ability to multitask and adjust to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. Possesses and executes exceptional organizational and communication skills. Exhibits exceptional writing skills. Works within a collaborative Team Environment. Maintains Exceptional Interpersonal skills. Critical thinking and strategic planning needed to execute Principal Duties of position. Complies with company policies and procedures. Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel. Knowledge of western industry is a plus, but not necessary. Interest in product merchandising and fashion preferred About Ariat Ariat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style. The salary rate for this position is $20.00 per hour. The salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic locations. Ariat in good faith believes that this posted compensation range is accurate for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future. Please note that Ariat does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agreement, Ariat will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter/agency placement fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed Agreement, Ariat explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted directly to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Ariat.
