Merchandiser Early Childhood - Kaplan Early Learning Company
Winston-Salem, NC
About the Job
Kaplan Early Learning Company is seeking to hire an Early Childhood Merchandiser.
For more than 50 years, Kaplan Early Learning Company has been a champion for play. From our research-based curricula to enriching classroom environments and innovative technology solutions, Kaplan's products and services inspire a lifelong love of learning in children and educators. We are architects of learning good and defenders of the imagination. We live for inseparable bonds and open minds. We encourage the eager and inspire the inspirers. We transform lives through play.
Don't come to work; come to play! Family-oriented and mission-driven, Kaplan is proud that our work champions play every day, and we are looking for team members who take learning and play as seriously as we do. Accountability, equity, advocacy, and integrity are the heart of what we do at Kaplan, and together we can improve the outcomes of all children. To learn more about our culture and to join our team, visit us at https://www.kaplanco.com/about/
About the Position:
Our merchandisers represent the "face" of Kaplan Early Learning Company. A merchandiser must be the authority in sourcing and selecting products that support our core values and mission to provide the best products and services that enhance children's learning through play. The merchandisers manage all elements of the assigned category, including product concept, product development, vendor negotiations, initial demand forecast and product presentation.
Incumbent plays a pivotal role in vendor communication, product procurement, supply chain, and information management for assigned product lines. In order to anticipate and/or solve problems, our Merchandisers must actively stay abreast of all scheduling issues that may impact the team and be an integral part of the communication link.
Work Schedule: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday-Friday
Position Responsibilities Include:
- Assess the market trends for assigned product categories, including new product availability. Research and prepare for changes in state and federal requirements, curriculum or assessment adoptions, trends on Pinterest/social media, etc.
- Develop product ideas. Do what is necessary to stay creatively inspired. This may include, but is not limited to, keeping abreast of market trends by shopping the market, attending shows, becoming a member of teacher and industry groups, and reading current resources, curriculum materials, magazines and trade papers.
- Identify and attend key trade shows that are relevant to the lines merchandised.
- See how products perform in the field. Ask questions of customers, sales reps, and customer support to learn how customers are interacting with the products. Use the knowledge from these interactions to positively impact the accuracy of product selection.
- Monitor competitor's offerings to identify product trends and threats.
- Work with vendors to meet market needs to include sourcing existing product or developing new product.
- Negotiate initial pricing with vendors to remain competitive within the market while maintaining an acceptable gross profit level. Set appropriate retail prices. Work with management to formulate a topline overview of pricing position and rationale.
- Review past seasons' performance and formulate strategies that build on strengths. Strategies should include updating and evolving successful products to ensure a fresh, new product line.
- Work closely with Purchasing, Marketing, and Product Information to communicate product changes, updates, pricing, forecasts, etc.
- Review product samples for quality and to ensure all specifications are met.
- Work closely with Marketing/Creative to provide complete merchandising information including item #, copy, pricing, and image.
- Work closely with in-house photographer to schedule photography including model needs, assembly, and any additional merchandise.
- Proof page layouts in all stages of pre-press to ensure the customer will have a clear understanding of product including features, benefits, and construction.
- Provide product training on managed lines to order entry and Customer Service agents.
- Train internal customers, including outside sales force, marketing department, on features and benefits of product lines.
- Evaluate sales performance by product and page to ensure optimum yield. Identify and recommend opportunities to increase volume.
- Review product information for merchandised lines on website for accuracy.
- Stay current on technology that supports and streamlines the merchandising process.
Position Requirements Include:
- Four-year college degree in a related field required.
- Strong communication, negotiation, project management, organization, and analytical skills.
- Extensive knowledge of marketing and industry trends related to the early childhood industry required, with 3- 5 years of experience in the early childhood industry.
- Must be creative, and possess extensive understanding and knowledge of age appropriateness, licensing requirements, literacy product needs, etc. and the mental and physical needs of children in relation to product selection and design.
- Ability and willingness to travel frequently on domestic and/or overseas trips.
- Effectively work in a fast paced environment with ability to work well with multiple tasks.
- Proven ability to work well independently or collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to meet deadlines is crucial and problem solving skills is paramount.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Vaccination status not required.
Benefits Include:
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave Supplemental Program
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Matching 401(k) Plan plus a suite of financial educational services to include consultations with licensed representatives
- Short-term disability and long-term disability income replacement programs
- Aflac Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Educational Tuition Assistance
- Child Care Discounts
- Kaplan Store Discount
- Verizon & AT&T Discount
- YMCA Discount
- LifeMart Discounts Shopping Website
- Employee Referral Bonus
The health and well-being of our staff members is our priority. We continue to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and we are taking every step necessary to provide a safe and clean environment.
Kaplan Early Learning Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace differences, welcome diversity and value a culture of respect.