International Assistant Merchant

About the Role

At Bath & Body Works, we are dedicated to creating feel-good experiences for everyone. Joining us means becoming part of a close-knit community focused on people at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize fostering great associate experiences to inspire and empower our team, which in turn leads to exceptional consumer experiences daily. Whether you are beginning your career or advancing it, we support your growth and leadership development.

The Assistant Merchant supports international business strategies to drive consistent and profitable growth for Bath & Body Works. This includes aiding in strategy and tactic development through understanding international markets, target customers, and competition. The role involves collaborating on new product launches, analyzing consumer insights, and supporting in-store initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Senior Merchant to create and implement strategies that enhance sales volume, customer engagement, and profitability internationally.
• Perform business analysis to provide insights on performance, category trends, and customer behavior.
• Partner with Senior Merchant, Design, and Production teams to develop international product extensions where applicable.
• Support brand strategy and planning efforts including sampling programs, associate training, competitive analysis, and performance review.
• Prepare internal presentations for leadership and cross-functional teams from brainstorming to final material preparation.
• Manage development project processes including documentation, costing analysis, and communication with involved teams.
• Maintain accuracy and ownership of in-season and core assortment roadmaps.
• Coordinate with Commercialization Services to monitor timelines, anticipate challenges, and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Analyze weekly business data to extract insights, gather customer feedback, and identify merchandising opportunities.
• Assist with meeting preparations, sample management, and report analysis.
• Provide recommendations and perspectives based on results and category strategies.
• Conduct competitive research focused on assortment, pricing, and promotions of other retailers.
• Regularly visit stores to collect feedback from customers and sales associates.
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, eliminate redundancies, and increase agility.
• Act as a key resource and category expert for cross-functional partners.

Required Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of relevant experience in brand development, merchandise buying, or retail management.
• Strong business acumen with analytical skills and retail math proficiency.
• A passion for product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Self-motivated and capable of producing accurate, independent work.
• Effective influence and leadership skills to navigate challenges and foster teamwork.
• Excellent verbal and written communication capabilities.
• Proven ability to collaborate across teams.
• Meticulous attention to detail in all work aspects.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a fast-changing environment.
• Proficient in systems such as Centric and Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.

Desired Core Competencies

• Results Oriented
• Action Oriented
• Collaborative
• Decision Making
• Adaptable Learning

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy plans, plus access to an onsite wellness center and pharmacy at the Columbus, OH office.
• Employee Assistance Program for no-cost mental health and well-being support.
• 401(k) with company matching and stock purchase program at discounted rates.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and family-building benefits.
• Home, auto, and pet insurance options along with a Care.com subscription.
• Tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs for post-secondary education.
• Complimentary products and a 40% merchandise discount to experience and promote the brand.

Additional Information

This job description reflects the general nature and essential functions of the position but is not exhaustive of all responsibilities.

Bath & Body Works is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination. The company also provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected status and only individuals authorized to work in the United States will be hired.