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Assistant Merchandise Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Dollartree

Merchandise Assistant Manager

Chicago, IL

As a Merchandise Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree, you'll join our Store Manager in leading a dynamic team of associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role ...

Dollar Tree

Merchandise Assistant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Merchandise Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree, you'll join our Store Manager in leading a dynamic team of associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role ...

Crateandbarrel

Merchandise Handler II

Naperville, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Communicate with delivery department Lead on all issues related to product inspections and delivery status of workload on a daily basis * Assist merchandise handlers with the organization and ...

Crate & Barrel Holdings

Merchandise Handler II

Naperville, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Communicate with delivery department Lead on all issues related to product inspections and delivery status of workload on a daily basis * Assist merchandise handlers with the organization and ...

Crate & Barrel Holdings

Merchandise Handler II

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $16.75/hr

Communicate with delivery department Lead on all issues related to product inspections and delivery status of workload on a daily basis * Assist merchandise handlers with the organization and ...

Crateandbarrel

Merchandise Handler II

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $16.75/hr

Communicate with delivery department Lead on all issues related to product inspections and delivery status of workload on a daily basis * Assist merchandise handlers with the organization and ...

Ace Hardware Corporation

Assistant Merchant

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$76K - $90K/yr

The Job As an Assistant Merchant, you are responsible for all aspects of support for a product ... Employee discounts on Ace merchandise (including top brands like Weber, Traeger, Yeti, Craftsman ...

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Assistant Merchandise information

What is an assistant merchandise?

Assistant Merchandise professionals, often called Assistant Merchandisers, support the merchandising team in retail or fashion companies. They help with tasks such as tracking inventory, analyzing sales trends, coordinating with suppliers, and preparing reports. Their role is essential in ensuring that the right products are available in the right places at the right times, helping to maximize sales and profitability. They also assist in product selection, pricing, and promotional planning under the guidance of senior merchandisers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant merchandise?

To thrive as an Assistant Merchandise, you need a solid understanding of retail operations, inventory management, and basic merchandising principles, often supported by a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and Microsoft Excel is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and ensure product accuracy. These skills are crucial for maintaining stock levels, optimizing product displays, and supporting sales goals in a competitive retail environment.

How does an assistant merchandise typically collaborate with buyers and vendors in daily operations?

Assistant Merchandise professionals play a key role in supporting the buying team by maintaining clear communication between buyers and vendors. On a daily basis, they help coordinate order placements, track shipments, and resolve any discrepancies with product deliveries or inventory levels. Close collaboration ensures accurate product availability and timely updates for promotions or seasonal launches. This teamwork helps keep merchandise planning efficient and supports the overall goals of the retail organization.

What is the difference between Assistant Merchandise vs Assistant Buyer?

AspectAssistant MerchandiseAssistant Buyer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer associate or bachelor’s degree in business or retailSimilar; often requires a degree in business, marketing, or related field
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, warehouses, or corporate officesRetail stores, corporate offices, or buying departments
Industry UsageFashion, electronics, general retail

Assistant Merchandise and Assistant Buyer roles both support the buying and product selection process in retail. While Assistant Merchandise focuses on inventory management, stock levels, and product displays, Assistant Buyers are more involved in selecting and purchasing products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often overlapping in retail and fashion industries. The main difference lies in their specific responsibilities within the merchandising and buying process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Merchandise jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Assistant Merchandise jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Assistant Merchandise job openings:

Assistant Merchandise jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Merchandise job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Merchandising Program Manager

Emery Jensen Distribution, LLC

Oak Brook, IL

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

We have 2 openings for Assistant Merchandising Program Managers!

The Job

As the Assistant Merchandising Program Manager, you are 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. 

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 MPM in 2 – 3 years.

The Assistant MPM:

  • Executes the current year plan that has been laid out by the MPM.
  • Responsible for all aspects of support for a product category.
  • Owns some portions team 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 sales team impacts of all decisions.

What you will do…

Category Review Support

  • Support MPM in all phases of category review process
  • Request and prepare all category analytics
  • Participate in all aspects of vendor meeting prep, meetings, item selection, plan-o-gram build, marketing and execution to retailers

Promotional Planning Support

  • Support in organizing and securing all vendor promotional discounts
  • Assist in solicitation of monthly promotional items from vendors

Retailer Communication

  • Support with daily retailer customer service
  • Assist with communication via EJD Portal & M.A.S.T. to relay new programs, changes, or issues
  • Assist with EJD Customer Care for calls and e-mails related to respective category

Convention Planning Support

  • Assist in selecting and inviting vendors to attend semi-annual convention
  • Lead prep of show materials including drop ship forms, as well as submission for Power Buys, Saving Showcase and New Arrivals
  • Assist in planning Merch area theme and execution for respective category

Inventory/Supply Chain Support

  • Assist in diagnosing and resolving vendor service issues
  • Assist in inventory planning for promotional items

Systems Support

  • Lead SKU on-boarding for department with respective merchandising SYSTEMS coordinator
  • Lead processing of channel and customer price changes with EJD Pricing Team
  • Lead all item master data changes with article content team

Special Projects

  • Lead department and cross-functional projects as assigned by Director and MPM

What you need to succeed…

  • 2+ years of business experience
  • Retail experience preferred
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Understand financial measures that impacts corporation
  • Demonstrate strong decision-making skills
  • Passion for people and hardware industry: understanding of EJD customers, channels, and opportunity by geography and commitment to and interest in team member development
  • Detail-oriented and extremely organized self-starter able to thrive is a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, solve problems and meet deadlines.
  • Proactive and has the desire to succeed.
  • Proven ability to work autonomously and accomplish objectives
  • Highly creative, flexible and adaptable with good follow-through
  • Proven ability to multi-task projects and meet deadlines
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Power Point,
  • Knowledge of PCM, SAP and guided Ad-hoc reporting tools

Apply