Location: Magnolia, Texas
Department: Merchandising & Product Development
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Jess Lea
Jess Lea is a fast-growing women’s apparel brand headquartered in Magnolia, Texas. Founded in 2014, the company has grown from a startup operating out of a spare bedroom into a nationally recognized fashion brand serving wholesale boutique partners and direct-to-consumer customers throughout the United States.
Our mission is to create stylish, comfortable apparel that helps women of all shapes and sizes feel confident. As we continue to grow, we are seeking talented individuals who are passionate about fashion, data-driven decision making, and helping build a best-in-class apparel brand.
Position Summary
The Merchandising & Product Development serves as a key member of the team. This role is responsible for driving merchandise strategy, inventory planning, product development support, trend forecasting, and business analysis that directly impacts company revenue and profitability.
The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with a deep understanding of fashion merchandising and consumer behavior. This individual will leverage data, reporting, and market trends to guide product decisions, optimize inventory investments, and identify opportunities to increase sales and margin performance.
In addition, this position will provide executive-level support to the Co-Owner by assisting with strategic planning, business initiatives, reporting, and cross-functional project management.
Essential Responsibilities
Merchandise Planning & Buying
· Develop seasonal merchandise plans aligned with company sales and growth objectives.
· Analyze historical sales performance, inventory levels, customer purchasing behavior, and market trends to make informed buying decisions.
· Determine optimal product assortment, category mix, size curves, and inventory investments.
· Monitor inventory productivity and recommend replenishment, markdown, and liquidation strategies.
· Manage inventory levels to maximize sell-through rates while minimizing excess inventory.
· Collaborate with leadership to establish and achieve sales, margin, and inventory goals.
Sales Analysis & Business Intelligence
· Create and maintain detailed sales, inventory, and customer analytics reports.
· Analyze customer purchasing behavior and identify opportunities to increase average order value, customer retention, and revenue growth.
· Evaluate product performance by category, collection, style, color, and size.
· Provide actionable recommendations based on data analysis and market insights.
· Develop forecasting models to support inventory planning and future growth initiatives.
· Present findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
Product Development & Trend Forecasting
· Research emerging fashion trends, consumer preferences, and competitive market activity.
· Collaborate with the design team to identify new product opportunities and seasonal assortment strategies.
· Participate in product development meetings and seasonal planning sessions.
· Review product samples and provide feedback regarding design, fit, functionality, pricing, and marketability.
· Assist in the development of seasonal collections that align with customer demand and brand positioning.
· Maintain awareness of industry trends, fabric innovations, and competitive offerings.
Executive Assistant to Co-Owner
· Serve as a trusted business partner and strategic support resource for the Co-Owner.
· Prepare executive reports, presentations, analyses, and strategic planning materials.
· Assist in managing key projects and company initiatives.
· Coordinate communication and collaboration between departments.
· Support leadership with vendor relationships, special projects, and business development opportunities.
· Assist with planning and execution of growth initiatives, including potential acquisitions and expansion opportunities.
Qualifications
Required
· Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, or related field.
· Minimum of 2 years of experience in apparel buying, merchandising, merchandise planning, product development, or related retail functions.
· Demonstrated experience analyzing sales trends and customer purchasing behavior.
· Strong analytical and financial acumen.
· Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, forecasting, and data analysis.
· Experience with ERP systems, inventory management software, and reporting platforms.
· Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management skills.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
Preferred
· Experience working within a women’s apparel brand, fashion retailer, or wholesale apparel organization.
· Knowledge of overseas sourcing and manufacturing processes.
· Experience managing merchandise planning and open-to-buy processes.
· Experience supporting executive leadership teams.
· Familiarity with both wholesale and direct-to-consumer business models.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Success in this role will be measured through:
· Sales growth and revenue performance
· Gross margin improvement
· Inventory turnover and sell-through rates
· Reduction in aged inventory
· Accuracy of forecasting and inventory planning
· Successful execution of seasonal product launches
· Identification of new product opportunities
· Contribution to strategic business initiatives
