Merchandising:1. Develop category strategies aligned with the merchant framework and portfolio strategies, utilizing multiple data sources for informed decision-making.2. Perform item-level assortment analysis, optimize vendor and SKU selection, establish price ladders, and develop private label/brand strategies to drive category performance.3. Engage in strategy reviews with senior management to obtain necessary approvals and proactively communicate strategies to cross-functional teams, enabling effective planning and execution at the store level.Purchasing:1. Lead line reviews, ensuring timely delivery of store-ready modulars and seasonal sets, while overseeing promotional planning activities.2. Take ownership of new item and promotional forecasts, managing markdowns, price adjustments, and developing exit strategies as needed. 3. Initiate and negotiate commercial agreements, manage costs, vendor allowances/terms, and maintain strong relationships with key external partners. Financial Planning:1. Accountable for managing merchandise profit and loss and achieving financial targets in the toy business, including forecasts, sales, markdowns, coop collection, market share growth, gross profit, net income, and inventory budgets.2. Communicate and report financial results to cross-functional partners, ensuring transparency and alignment.3. Conduct thorough post-buy financial analysis and collaborate with cross-functional partners to identify areas of improvement and implement effective strategies.People Development:1. Foster associate engagement, provide development opportunities, and ensure succession planning. 2. Offer guidance and mentorship to Category Team Analysts, Associate Merchants, and Category Advisors to support their growth.

Reviews sales and inventory levels, offering recommendations for improved performance.Collaborates to establish effective pricing strategies and executes aged inventory exit strategies.Ensures accurate item database setup and conducts sales unit performance analysis for growth opportunities.Assists in monthly/quarterly reviews and participates in Competition store visits.Provides insights for floor space strategies and collaborates with Visual Merchandiser.Fosters a teamwork atmosphere and supports team activities.

Using financial analysis to recommend actions to maximize sales and profits, and effectively strategize and recommend actions for markdowns to maximize sales and profitsCollaborate with visual merchandising to ensure assortment strategy is prioritized and properly reflected in in-store presentationsCreate and maintain effective relationships with field leadership through collaboration, communication, and store visitsActively participate in fostering a culture of continual learning and taking risks without fear of making mistakesEmbrace, champion, and influence change through the team and/or organization

Monitor store stock levels, adjusting allocations for performance trends and inventory levels to maintain target inventory levelsRecommend re-orders based on sales, on-hand and support product exit strategiesPerform analytics and reports to support Category/Planning team in understanding business performanceSupport Managers, Planning & Allocation in developing Merchandise Financial Plans and Open-to-Buy, managing allocation/replenishment and conducting business analysisCommunicate with stores and DC regarding inventory and replenishment questions

Manage Store Operations, store/associate file administration, and the daily activities of the Cash OfficeDevelop a team of effective Service Area Associates, and assist in the recruiting, coaching, training, and development of the associates, including training on policies, procedures, and the proper use of register equipment, as well as specialized technical and customer-service trainingExercise discretion regarding customer-service policies in order to satisfy customersCreate a positive environment that fosters open and continuous communication and information sharing among all Associates

Providing weekly updates on objectives and identify any issues or opportunities pertaining to merchandise and sales floor.Reviewing weekly MAP, financials, and support communication of change to merchandise presentation, IBI, fashion trends, and events.Developing a plan with Assistant Manager (AM) of Merchandise to increase sales in underperforming departments and capitalize on high performers.Working with AM of Merchandise determine the priorities for processing and moving new merchandise Training and developing Sales Associates in merchandise-presentation standards, assist in the training and development of Sales Associates, and provide customer service for both internal and external customers.