Roots is more than just an/the iconic Canadian retailer, we are a group of passionate employees who act with integrity, trust each other and do what is right. We work in a space where people can grow and develop, with a team of people who own results and are dedicated to seeing Roots win. We seek to build longstanding relationships with partners who share our commitment to maintaining high ethical standards of operation.

We are currently seeking a Merchandising Manager who will seek inspiration from our roots, can commit to achieving results the right way and loves to think big to join us on our journey. This posting is a 15 month contract.

The Merchandising Manager for Roots will be responsible for the following:

• Develop and execute seasonal merchandising strategies that support our brand objectives, drive growth, and maximize profit. Seasonal line plans will be developed based on a combination of sales data and market trends.
• Analyze market and sales trends to develop line plans, identify commercial key items and emerging trend items, provide target retail and IMU for styles.
• Work closely with cross functional partners in Buying, Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and International/Wholesale to deliver a brand enhancing product line that will drive sales to meet our financial targets and brand objectives.
• Leads weekly cross functional meetings to ensure that team is aligned and on track to meet product calendar deadlines.
• Identify styles where costs are not meeting target and resolutions.
• Weekly meetings with merch managers from other depts to review product calendar deadlines and align on presentation/format where needed.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.

What we're looking for:

PASSION - You are passionate about retail, love to follow a variety of retailers/trends but can identify what's commercially viable based on consumer and market position.

ORGANIZED - You thrive in a dynamic working environment, capable of managing multiple priorities and adaptable to change

COLLABORATION - Strong communication and active listening skills are required. You love to work with a variety of people and departments. You work well with others with ability to influence and bridge people together.

ANALYTICAL - You possess efficient skills in combing the market to identify trends and competitive analysis on product and price position.

CREATIVE MINDSET - You love a challenge and have an exploratory approach to identify opportunities and solutions.

INITIATIVE - You proactively anticipate opportunities or risks and will bring forth strategies for a resolution.

Top candidates for the Merchandising Manager role will have the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in Merchandising, Buying or related field
• 5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising or buying preferably in the apparel industry.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in retail math
• Experience managing others
• Extremely detailed oriented and organized, loves to format and analyze the market
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator is also preferred
• Self-lead and an independent thinker with the ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment.
• An understanding of/affinity for the Roots brand

Founded in 1973, Roots Canada is a publicly held Canadian lifestyle brand that sells apparel, leather bags, small leather goods, footwear and active athletic wear with over 100 retail stores in North America and Asia.