Buyer/Merchandiser (Wappingers Falls)
Merchandiser, Schoolhouse Brand, Textiles & Hardgoods Job Purpose As the Merchandiser, you will own the growth and success of our product lines. This role is responsible for product selection, vendor partnerships, pricing strategy, and inventory performance, ensuring we deliver high-quality, innovative lighting solutions to both residential and commercial customers. The Merchandiser is accountable not only for the assortment itself but for the flow of product information across the functions and channels that bring it to market. Hudson Valley Lighting Group is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing, and omnichannel distribution of decorative and architectural lighting fixtures, encompassing six brands: Hudson Valley Lighting, Mitzi, Troy, Corbett, CSL, and Sonneman (on behalf of Hudson Valley Lighting, Inc., Troy-CSL, Inc. and SN Modern, LLC). As the one-stop shop for the most comprehensive selection of lighting, HVLG seeks to inspire and support our customers in their pursuit to achieve a home that perfectly reflects their clients. HVLG takes a designer-forward approach to the light-purchasing process — making the experience more inspiring, exciting, and inviting. At HVLG, we believe that great lighting has the power to elevate any space and enrich people's lives — and it's that guiding philosophy that ties our family of brands together. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Assortment, market, and product strategy Develop and execute merchandising strategies for the product assortment. Partner with internal designers and engineers to bring new product concepts to market. Manage the product lifecycle from concept through launch, replenishment, and discontinuation, and own pricing strategy across the assortment. Maintain a deep understanding of the marketplace and of direct competitors; regularly shop competitors, in-store and online, to stay current on trends, assortment, and pricing. Monitor market trends, the competitive landscape, and customer preferences to guide product development and purchasing decisions, bringing that insight into assortment reviews. Support the maintenance of accurate product data, costing, and documentation. Attends key home decor markets to present product line to sales team and customers. Cross-functional leadership and partnership Lead and facilitate divisional meetings across functions and channels. Manage the flow of product information cross-functionally — Inventory Management, eCommerce, Marketing, Sourcing, and Visual Merchandising — and across channels, to maximize sales and profit. Translate divisional strategy into tactical plans and implement them by working through each functional area. Hold cross-functional partners to agreed dates and deliverables within the product calendar, escalating where timelines are at risk. Collaborate with the operations team on product readiness, quality standards, and timely launches. E-commerce and marketing partnership Partner with the eCommerce and site merchandising teams on product launches, ensuring items are live on schedule and correctly represented. Review product pages at launch for completeness, accuracy, and merchandising quality — imagery, copy, specifications, and cross-sell. Provide product and assortment input to support site navigation, category structure, and search, and participate in user testing. Review on-site performance by product and use findings to inform assortment and page content. Work with Marketing on product positioning, promotions, and launch support across digital and social channels. Financial and inventory performance Analyze sales trends, margin performance, and inventory levels to optimize assortment and profitability. Partner with Inventory Management on buy quantities, flow, in-stock performance, and product exits. Vendor, sourcing, and product development Partner with PD to identify and onboard new vendors and negotiate costing. Manage ongoing supplier relationships and performance for dropship, third-party products. Travel overseas with product development and design partners to review product development and production. Other duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree preferred, in Business, Merchandising, or related field. Three or more years in merchandising, product development, category management, or a buying or planning-related role. Strong analytical skills, with experience reviewing sales and margin performance. Ability to negotiate vendor contracts and manage supplier relationships. Background using Microsoft Suite, particularly Excel; SAP or a similar ERP preferred. Ability to work and communicate effectively across departments and at different levels. Comfortable in a fast-paced environment requiring quick turnaround times. Demonstrated understanding of data accuracy and its downstream impact. Excellent communication and collaboration skills; detail-oriented, organized and focused. Must have the ability to travel, including international travel to the factory and design partners. A valid passport is required. Total travel is less than 10% annually. Ability to work on-site in Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 for a minimum of one week per month. US citizen or permanent resident (no Visa sponsorship available). WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to work in a Distribution Center environment with varying temperatures and noise. Equal Opportunity Employer: Hudson Valley Lighting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Disclaimer: This position description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required. Employees may be asked to perform other duties as needed.
