Merchandise Assistant

Industry: Retail
Employment Type: Freelance
Openings: 3
Work Schedule: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, in office Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Job Posting Start Date: 2026-06-06
Job Posting End Date: 2027-01-29

A leading organization in the retail industry is seeking a detail-oriented and adaptable Merchandise Assistant to support a fast-paced merchandising team. In this role, you will provide administrative and operational support to multiple Buyers and a Merchandise leader while serving as a key point of contact for a broad vendor network. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys organization, communication, and working with spreadsheets and purchase order data in a merchandising environment.

The Merchandise Assistant plays an important role in keeping merchandising operations running smoothly by managing purchase orders, coordinating vendor communications, maintaining reports and samples, and assisting with a variety of special projects. The ideal candidate is organized, responsive, eager to learn, and comfortable handling a mix of clerical, analytical, and coordination-based responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, revise, and track domestic and import purchase orders.
• Enter and monitor electronic purchase orders through internal systems.
• Follow up on allocations, late shipments, and purchase order changes with vendors and internal teams.
• Partner with Planning and Allocation teams to support timely and accurate purchase order processing.
• Monitor ASN/EDI purchase order information and contact vendors for missing or required details.
• Review late shipment lists, coordinate updates, and support shipping extensions or cost renegotiations as needed.
• Communicate with vendors daily by phone and email regarding orders, scheduling, and issue resolution.
• Screen and manage incoming inquiries related to purchase orders and vendor matters.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and market appointments for assigned merchants.
• Organize vendor and agent visits at the office.
• Create, maintain, and update spreadsheets and weekly spend tracking reports.
• Support sample management, including tracking, organizing, displaying, and returning product samples.
• Maintain filing systems, binders, databases, and other departmental records.
• Assist with special projects and provide cross-functional support to team members as needed.

Qualifications

• 1–5 years of experience in retail, merchandising, customer service, data entry, or administrative support.
• Non-degree or degree in progress.
• Basic Excel skills required, including the ability to manipulate spreadsheets by adding columns, deleting rows, and learning new functions as needed.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Additional Information

• No live intake call with supplier.
• Potential for assignment extension and possible conversion.
• An Excel test is required for candidates selected for interview and must be completed before the interview is scheduled.

This freelance opportunity is ideal for someone looking to build merchandising experience within a collaborative retail environment while contributing to a busy and supportive team.