Category Merchandiser

24 Seven is partnering with a top global sportswear client to help them find a Category Merchandiser for this onsite position in Portland, OR. This is a contract opportunity starting ASAP and scheduled to go until the end of January 2026 with potential to extend working 4 days a week onsite. While on contract, you'd be eligible for benefits including medical, dental, vision, and more.

Ideal Candidate

will have bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) and at least four years of experience in footwear or apparel merchandising, buying, or product creation within a retail, multi-brand, or digital environment. They are highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and advanced formulas.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Our client is seeking a product-driven consumerist who thrives in the fast pace of retail. This role partners cross-functionally (Buying, Planning, Visual Merchandising, Store Ops, Marketing, and Global Merchants) to bring assortments to life that best serve consumers. Success requires strong business acumen, multitasking across seasons, and a deep understanding of trends, consumers, and the marketplace.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

You'll work closely with fellow merchants, buyers and cross-functional teams within the brand; in particular Digital and Stores Buying, Consumer Merchandising, Planning, Allocation, Visual Merchandising and Brand Marketing. You'll also work with finance, operations and the insights / analytics teams; relying on business reporting which includes quantitative and qualitative metrics on sales, inventory and consumer behaviors.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

• Own the process of bringing the seasonal footwear assortment to life across Direct Value Stores (180 doors).
• Develop and execute seasonal assortment strategies that align with consumer demand and business objectives.
• Coordinate across genders, brands, and product collections to ensure cohesive assortments and marketplace alignment.
• Partner cross-functionally with planning, pricing, and allocation teams to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right depths.
• Collaborate with pricing to optimize inventory flow, drive sell-through, and achieve retail KPIs.
• Participate in seasonal buy reviews and in-season trading to identify opportunities for growth and course correction.
• Leverage data and consumer insights to refine multi-season assortment plans that balance intuition and analytics.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the brand's market position, competitive landscape, and evolving consumer preferences.
• Utilize advanced Excel skills to analyze assortment performance, track sales, and support strategic decision-making.

Qualifications :