Assistant Merchant

About This Role

The Assistant Merchant is responsible for all aspects of support for a product category, including but not limited to category review support, promotional planning, show prep, retailer communication, SKU on-boarding, and maintenance and special projects as assigned for Ace International in Panama.

The position is designed as a support role, as well as development step in all aspects of the buying department to prepare a candidate for full category responsibility as an Associate Merchant.

The Assistant Merchant:

• Executes the current year plan that has been laid out by the Merchant.
• Responsible for all aspects of support for a product category.
• Assists with teams’ responsibilities and projects, including category reviews, promotional planning processes, show preparation, retailer communication, SKU onboarding and maintenance, and special projects as assigned.
• Expected to consider enterprise (International, Mexico and Leveraging ACE USA) impact with all decisions.

What You'll Do

Category Review Support

• Support the Merchant throughout all phases of the category review process.
• Request and prepare category analytics to inform decision-making.
• Participate in vendor meeting preparation, item selection, planogram development, marketing, and retailer execution.
• Contribute to maximizing the wholesale margin for the category.

Promotional Planning Support

• Organize and secure vendor marketing assessments.
• Assist in soliciting promotional items from vendors.
• Help manage promotional documentation, including item submission forms, target pricing, correction notices, and ad proofing.

Retailer Communication

• Provide daily customer service support to retailers.
• Assist in communicating new programs, updates, and issue resolutions.

Convention Planning Support

• Help select and invite vendors for the semi-annual convention.
• Prepare show materials, including drop ship forms and promotional SKU submissions.
• Assist in planning and executing the merchant area theme for the assigned category.

Inventory/Supply Chain Support

• Assist in identifying and resolving vendor service issues.
• Support inventory planning for promotional items.
• Lead the processing of initial orders for new programs.

Systems Support

• Lead SKU onboarding for the department.
• Manage item master data and implement price changes.

Product Development

• Assist in gathering information, test reports, and documentation for new items.
• Support the creation of packaging for new products.
• Collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams on product development initiatives.

Special Projects

• Lead assigned departmental and cross-functional projects.
• Manage category refreshes (L1) under the guidance of the International Merchant.

Who You Are

• Demonstrates a strong passion for products and curiosity about the retail marketplace, actively applying this interest in daily work.
• Applies advanced business acumen and strategic thinking to draw insights from data and guide category growth.
• Builds and leverages internal and external networks—including vendors, retailers, and cross-functional teams—to influence outcomes and improve processes.
• Maintains a results-oriented mindset, taking full accountability and adjusting strategies as business conditions evolve.
• Communicates clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, with the ability to present strategies and updates to leadership, vendors, and retailers.
• Analyzes issues and proposes practical solutions, demonstrating strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Takes appropriate risks and follows through on initiatives with creativity, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality output.
• Demonstrates strong negotiation skills and the ability to simplify complex tasks and processes.

Required Skills

• Holds a Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Merchandising or Business) or has equivalent work experience.
• Has a minimum of 2 years of retail buying experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills and corporate financial acumen.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Experienced with SAP, SAP B1, and guided ad-hoc reporting tools.
• Willing and able to travel up to 15%.

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