Lead Apparel Merchant in Beaverton, Oregon - #69620 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 69620

Lead Apparel Merchant
Our client is seeking a Lead Apparel Merchant to support a key retail partner in the women’s athletic wear category. This role is ideal for a merchandising professional who combines a strong understanding of the women’s sport apparel market with proven experience managing external retail relationships. The ideal candidate will bring strategic planning skills, deep product knowledge, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, consumer-focused environment.

This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon.

Lead Apparel Merchant Responsibilities

• Drive seasonal and multi-season assortment planning to support growth targets and strategic priorities across retail partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal product and merchandising teams to shape and align assortment strategies, capacity planning, and line architecture.
• Lead and deliver account-facing seasonal presentations, sales tools, and readiness materials to retail buying teams.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external account partners to ensure alignment on assortment strategies and performance goals.
• Analyze and communicate marketplace insights, consumer trends, and sales performance to identify new opportunities and inform product strategies.
• Guide cross-functional teams through product life cycles, ensuring accurate forecasting, category mix, and investment strategies.
• Manage merchandising tools, including assortment documentation and visual line plans, to support internal and external visibility.
• Present and lead key seasonal meetings with stakeholders across merchandising, planning, sales, and marketing functions.

Lead Apparel Merchant Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising, product management, or buying—specifically within women’s apparel at a major brand.
• Previous experience working directly with external accounts in a sales or merchandising capacity is required.
• Direct experience working with Nike is a firm requirement for this role.
• Strong understanding of the women’s athletic apparel market, consumer trends, and retail dynamics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience delivering presentations to senior leadership and retail partners.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to build cross-functional partnerships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Keynote. Experience with merchandising systems is a plus.

Compensation: Up to $44.67/hr. (DOE)

VanderHouwen Contractors Enjoy Exceptional Benefit Perks!
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you’ll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.

Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we’re in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies’ staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

#LI-Hybrid
#LI-TP1