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Associate Merchant Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Overview As our Associate Merchant , you will be responsible for various functions which contribute to the broader scope of the vertical Merchant career path, gaining valuable hands-on experience in ...

Merchandise Associate

Kearney, NE · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

Omaha, NE · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

Grand Island, NE · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

Omaha, NE · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

Omaha, NE · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

merchandise associate

Gretna, NE · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

Omaha, NE · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

Kearney, NE · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Merchant information

See Nebraska salary details

$13

$24

$40

How much do associate merchant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate merchant in Nebraska is $24.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $33.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Merchant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Merchant, you need a solid understanding of retail math, merchandising strategies, and inventory management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with merchandising software, POS systems, and data analytics tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with vendors and cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for optimizing product assortments, driving sales performance, and ensuring smooth product flow in a competitive retail environment.

What are Associate Merchants?

Associate Merchants are entry- to mid-level professionals who assist in the planning, selection, and purchasing of products for retail stores or online platforms. They work closely with buyers, vendors, and other teams to analyze sales trends, manage inventory, and help develop merchandising strategies. Their responsibilities often include monitoring product performance, preparing sales reports, and supporting the overall merchandising process to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.

How does an Associate Merchant typically collaborate with buyers and vendors to ensure product assortment meets customer needs?

As an Associate Merchant, you will work closely with buyers to analyze sales data, identify market trends, and recommend product assortments that align with customer preferences. Collaboration with vendors is frequent, often involving negotiations on pricing, product specifications, and delivery schedules to secure the best terms. This role requires strong communication and analytical skills to balance the needs of customers, the goals of the business, and the capabilities of suppliers. Regular meetings and cross-functional teamwork are essential to ensure product selections are competitive and profitable.

What is the difference between Associate Merchant vs Buyer?

AspectAssociate MerchantBuyer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; some experience in retail or e-commerceSimilar educational background; often requires experience in procurement or retail
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaborating with marketing, product teams, and suppliersOffice or retail environment, focusing on vendor negotiations and inventory management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail, e-commerce, and consumer goods companiesWidely used in retail, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors

The main difference is that an Associate Merchant typically supports product selection, marketing, and sales strategies, while a Buyer focuses on purchasing, vendor negotiations, and inventory management. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ within the procurement and merchandising process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant jobs in Nebraska? The most popular types of Merchant jobs in Nebraska are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchant jobs in Nebraska? For Associate Merchant jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Merchant jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Merchant jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Associate Merchant jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Associate Merchant job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Merchant job openings in Nebraska as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,598 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Associate Merchant

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Oriental Trading Company rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 336 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

Overview

As our Associate Merchant, you will be responsible for various functions which contribute to the broader scope of the vertical Merchant career path, gaining valuable hands-on experience in skill competency areas. Under direction of Manager Divisional Merchandise, you will be responsible for planning, developing, analyzing and managing assigned customer solutions. You will identify opportunities that meet the marketing and merchandising company objectives; providing merchandise assortment input that continually increases company revenues and profitability and achieving all assigned financial goals and objectives. This role will partner with other departmental teams including Merch Planning, Sourcing, Product Design, Marketing, E Commerce, Creative, Personalization, Inventory and Corporate Communications.

Detailed DescriptionEssential Functions
  • In conjunction with Manager Divisional Merchandise, manage customer solutions and build tops down merchandising plans by customer needs, market position/trends, historical product & category performance, business goals
  • Under direction of manager, present, communicate and advocate strategic goals to cross functional departments and executive staff
  • With direction of manager, develop analysis of brand/customer performance in order to proactively respond to the customer need and achieve company objectives
  • Analyze market intelligence by means of supplier and industry contacts, merchandise shows and trade periodicals, and review of competitive retailers and direct marketers, and then strategizes with manager to benchmark current customer solutions against current market trends and pricing strategies
  • Communicate assortment plans and financial objectives with Inventory to achieve all department and category inventory goals including fill rates, turn ratios, average days on backorder and Open-to-Buy (OTB) management, and Sourcing to achieve the best profitability for company
  • Manage all vendor relationships and negotiates with Sourcing regarding COGS and rebate programs
  • Establish pricing strategies and manages product price points for new items to maximize sell-through and profitability achieving all established margin objectives
  • Partner with Product Design to identify upcoming trends within brands and customer segments to build product line and strengthen customer solution; approves all artwork and product specifications
  • Partner with Sourcing to approve new item samples
  • Partner with Creative to develop catalog pagination/mock-ups and content. Approves photography, headlines, front and back covers, and general page layout maintaining customer solution focus
  • Under direction of manager, proofs in E-Book & Soft Proofing processes for overall presentation & content and makes necessary changes to remove and replace items in offers
  • Partner with Marketing to develop contact strategy, budgets and promotions; communicates and reinforces customer solutions for all marketing decisions and reviews business cross-functionally on a quarterly basis
  • Partner with Ecommerce to provide direction for web navigation, homepage rotations, landing pages, email campaigns, web content, social media networking and seasonal promotions
  • Partner with Pricing Analyst to identify promo pricing opportunities within solutions and reviews assigned Departments to implement price changes as needed to maximize sell-through and profitability, achieving all established margin objectives
  • Determine and execute item level flagging for each brand within their assigned solution(s)
  • Develop alternatives to increase sales and extend sales performance while optimizing underperforming products by reducing or removing medias
  • Develop and maintain (AS400, GUI) product specifications
  • Ensures product line conforms to all legal/regulatory requirements and doesn't infringe on any copyright or trade dress standards
  • Handle processing new item set-up within PIM
  • Handle processing, confirming and coordinating changes or modifications with domestic suppliers
  • Act as a community ambassador and partners with Corporate Communications and vendors on external brand awareness projects
  • Participate fully in initiatives such as MAPS & PIM and provide training support to others
  • Identify and manage talent/resources required to achieve goals
  • Proactively leverage strengths and address development needs of Assistant Merchant. Serve as a coach and mentor
  • Manage and supervise daily tasks of departmental Interns
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance
  • Abides by all policies and procedures of Oriental Trading Company
  • Must be able to attend face to face meetings on short or little advance notice
  • Work requires in-person collaboration among colleagues and contractors
  •  

    Marginal Functions
  • Travel overseas and domestically as necessary
  • Maintain an active US Passport
  • Perform other duties and projects as assigned
  • Assist with setting up and maintaining AS400 & GUI product specifications
  • Develop and proposes process and procedural changes which will improve operation of the department
  •  

    Here's what you need to join the fun:

     

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    • Ability to analyze quantitative data
    • Acute sense of brand, customer and trend awareness
    • Achievement oriented and demonstrated leadership potential
    • Exceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships, both internally and externally
    • Ability to communicate, present, negotiate and influence appropriately to all levels of the organization
    • Ability to lead team members toward personal, department and organizational goals
    • Ability to drive focus, set priorities and remain flexible in an on-going changing environment
    • Possess a proven track record of merchandising business management, success and growth
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Access
    • Ability to perform the job in a safe manner
    Education
    • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Merchandising or Business or equivalent work experience is preferred
     Experience
    • Two to five years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred

    Join us at Oriental Trading, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, where fun means business! 

    Oriental Trading Company (www.orientaltrading.com), is the nation's largest direct retailer of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties, and a leading provider of teaching supplies and affordable home decor and giftware. Founded in 1932 by a Japanese American, the Oriental Trading history of fun spans the better part of the last century. Today, Oriental Trading offers more than 60,000 products to individuals, teachers, schools, churches, businesses andnonprofits. With a corporate vision to "Make Life More Fun," Oriental Trading (a Berkshire Hathaway company) spreads joy and smiles to millions each year through a robust family of brands; Oriental Trading, Fun Express, MindWare, SmileMakers, Morris Costumes and halloweenexpress.com.

    EOE

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

    What Oriental Trading Company employees say

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