Product Merchandising Lead (Flexible)

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking a Lead Product Merchant to join our team. In this role, you will oversee product strategy and innovation to support Lakeshore’s B2C channel. The position requires driving long-range product line plans in partnership with the Merchandising Strategy and Product Development teams. The role also involves attending trade shows, fostering new and existing vendor partnerships, and identifying micro and macro trends in the industry. Candidates should be able to travel up to 50% of the year. The ideal applicant also has experience working with domestic and international vendors. 

A day in the office looks like this: 

• Attending trade shows and engaging in comparison shopping to identify micro and macro trends that inform product strategy priorities  
• Analyzing current product performance and connecting sales with marketplace trends/availability to develop long-range product line plans 
• Sourcing new vendors that meet Lakeshore’s quality, cost and volume requirements  
• Presenting product trend and innovation recaps to product leaders 
• Partnering with Buying and Operations teams on purchasing and execution 
• Owning a 12-month rolling schedule for trade shows, conferences and comparison shopping 

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business preferred 
• 10+ years of experience in CPG, Toys or Learning industries preferred 
• 6 years of experience working in Product Sourcing, Product Development or Merchandising preferred 
• 4 years of experience managing people/projects preferred 
• Expert knowledge of trends within Toys and/or Learning industries 
• Experience creating long-range product line plans 
• Exceptional presentation skills and strong attention to detail 
• Ability to effectively summarize and communicate trends and opportunities 
• Strong people skills 

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $102,000-$150,000 with an annual bonus of up to 10%
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount on products that make you smarter
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling ta