Merchandiser
Company: Randa Corp
Location: Des Plaines
Posted on: February 18, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Randa Apparel & Accessories is
one of the world’s leading fashion clothing and accessories
companies, operating across 11 countries with a portfolio of 30
iconic brands, including Haggar, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin
Klein, Totes, Isotoner, and Columbia Sportswear. With over 100
years of industry leadership, RAA continues to produce exceptional
products and services, delighting customers and empowering partners
worldwide. From the 1 dress pant brand in North America to the 1
belt and wallet, RAA sets the standard for excellence and
innovation We empower our associates, create growth opportunities
at every level, and strive to make RAA the best place to build a
career. Want to work at a diverse, equitable, & inclusive workspace
where associates are encouraged to bring their true, authentic
selves? Apply today and fashion your future with RAA. Location :
Chicago, IL Salary Range : $71,500 - $76,000 Schedule : Hybrid (3
days in-office / 2 days remote) Position Summary: The Merchandiser
is accountable for developing the seasonal line architecture within
their area of responsibility (AOR), ensuring that the assortment
aligns with brand strategy, consumer insights, and financial
targets. This role leads the full product life cycle—from concept
development through adoption—for upcoming seasons. The Merchandiser
may oversee multiple brands and may provide leadership, guidance,
and workload direction to Assistant Merchandisers to ensure
flawless execution across all milestones. Essential Job Functions:
Analyze Business Performance & Trends: Review historical selling
with the Design team, evaluate market and consumer trends, and
provide data?driven recommendations to inform seasonal product
strategies. Drive Seasonal Line Development Partner closely with
Design to develop the seasonal assortment, offering guidance on
style direction, color palettes, and key product opportunities to
ensure alignment with brand and merchandising objectives. Lead
Presentation & Line Review Preparation Manage all aspects of
presentation readiness by collaborating with Sales to understand
meeting requirements and deliverables. Prepare samples and visuals
for key account meetings, market weeks, and trade shows, including
pulling and organizing physical product. Manage Product Adoption &
PLM Accuracy Oversee the product adoption process by executing
style setup in PLM, facilitating handoff meetings with Sourcing
Coordinators, and ensuring accuracy of product details,
specifications, and costing. Own Seasonal Calendar Execution
Maintain and drive the end?to?end product calendar to ensure all
seasonal milestones, cross?functional deliverables, and critical
presentations are completed on time. Coordinate Daily Communication
with Suppliers Serve as the primary point of contact with
suppliers, managing ongoing communication around sample status,
product questions, costing updates, resourcing needs, and adoption
timelines. Oversee Prototype Development Work directly with factory
partners to initiate prototype requests. Review prototype samples
for accuracy, ensuring they meet all technical specifications and
quality standards before moving forward. Manage End?to?End Sample
Lifecycle Oversee all aspects of sample management, including
forecasting sample needs, submitting sample requests, tracking
sample flow across internal and external partners, ensuring timely
delivery, organizing samples for fittings and presentations, and
maintaining accurate documentation of sample status throughout the
product lifecycle. Support Additional Business Needs Perform
additional tasks and special projects as assigned to support
overall merchandising, product development, and cross?functional
business objectives. Minimum Qualifications: Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field, or
equivalent combination of education and experience 3–5 years of
experience in merchandising consumer products, design, or product
development Prior experience in accessories design Technical Skills
Strong understanding of raw materials and finished goods
manufacturing processes Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word,
Excel, etc.) Experience with Adobe Suite (Illustrator and
Photoshop) preferred Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management
(PLM) systems or similar tools Leadership & Communication
Demonstrated supervisory experience and/or proven leadership skills
Excellent presentation skills for internal and external
stakeholders Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and
creative communication skills Additional Requirements Ability to
travel domestically and internationally up to 25–30%; prior
overseas travel experience is a plus Ability to receive, lift,
open, and unpack product sample boxes, with or without reasonable
accommodation Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and
multi-tasking abilities Customer-focused and results-driven mindset
What we Offer: Competitive base salary. Hybrid work schedule. Three
weeks of paid time off within the first year of employment. Company
provided life insurance, short-term disability, long-term
disability, and paid parental leave. Health, vision, and dental
insurance options with low employee contributions. Commuter benefit
plan. Optional supplemental life insurance, pet insurance, and
accident & critical illness insurance offered at a group discount
rate. 401(k). Unlimited access to our award-winning online fitness,
and wellness program. A great place to work, fast-paced, with
terrific career growth “The statements in this job description are
intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an
exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Randa
management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities
to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.”
Keywords: Randa Corp, Mishawaka , Merchandiser, Retail - All , Des Plaines, Indiana