Job Purpose and Scope
The Merchandise Assistant, Kitchen & Travel is a highly organized and motivated individual who supports the Buyer and Assistant Buyers in the execution of the merchandising strategy for both branded and private label assortments. This role assists with reporting, item and purchase order maintenance, vendor communication, and administrative support to ensure the team can effectively manage inventory productivity and vendor performance.
The Merchandise Assistant plays a key role in maintaining accurate data, monitoring business performance, and supporting the day-to-day operations of the department. This is a developmental role designed to prepare individuals for advancement to an Assistant Buyer position.
Essential Job Functions
• Assist Buyer and Assistant Buyers in monitoring business performance through sales reporting, inventory analysis, and vendor performance tracking.
• Prepare and maintain weekly, monthly, and seasonal reports including best and worst sellers, vendor productivity, and aged inventory.
• Assist in monitoring industry trends, competitive activity, and product performance to support merchandising strategies.
• Set up new items and maintain existing item information within internal systems.
• Enter and maintain purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.
• Track purchase orders and shipments, assisting in troubleshooting delays or discrepancies with vendors and internal partners.
• Assist with price maintenance and ensure permanent price changes are communicated and completed by stores.
• Support markdown execution and inventory management by providing data and reports as requested by the buying team.
• Execute vendor returns as negotiated and assist with documentation and processing.
• Identify and assist in resolving inventory or data integrity issues.
• Maintain professional communication with vendors, stores, and internal departments.
• Provide administrative support including meeting preparation, document organization, and general office tasks as needed.
Personal Characteristics
• Strong business acumen with the ability to support the merchandising strategy through accurate reporting and analysis
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building skills
• Flexible, resilient, and adaptable in a dynamic retail environment
• Demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach to problem solving
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Basic understanding of retail math concepts
• Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and software programs
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
Position Requirements
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Internship or prior experience in retail merchandising, buying, or related field preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required
Salary & Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, a generous merchandise discount, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Dillard’s is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.
Rules of Arbitration
I state that the information contained in the foregoing statements is complete, true, and correct. I understand that if I am employed, any misrepresentation or omission of material facts on this application is sufficient cause for dismissal. I agree that my employment is for no definite period of time and can be terminated, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either Dillard's or myself. I understand that neither the Associate Work Rules and General Policies, the Associate Benefits and Related Policies, nor any other written or oral statements by Dillard's or its representatives are contracts of employment. No employee of Dillard's other than the Chairman of the Board or the President has any authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any specified period of time, or to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing, and no such agreement has been made. If, at the time of termination, I am for any reason indebted to Dillard's, whether for merchandise, cash advances, withdrawals, or otherwise, I agree that Dillard's shall have the right to make the necessary deductions and withhold from any remuneration or from any reimbursement to which I may be entitled, an amount sufficient to fully cover and completely pay for all of my indebtedness to Dillard's. I also hereby agree that in no event shall Dillard's be liable for any loss or damage to my clothing or my personal property. In consideration of Dillard’s agreeing to consider my Application, I agree that effective on my submission of this Application, Dillard’s and I shall be entitled to the benefits of and mutually agree to become subject to Dillard’s RULES OF ARBITRATION (the “Rules”). The Rules will apply to any Legal Claim which may arise out of the application process or over Dillard’s failure or refusal to offer me employment. A free copy of the Rules is available A) by emailing a request for a copy to legal@dillards.com or B) by requesting a written copy of the Rules by dialing toll free 866-353-6787.