[Hiring] Merchandiser @Cotopaxi

Role Description

Cotopaxi is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Merchandiser for a temporary role supporting two parental leave coverages between October 2026 and April 2027. The role will begin by providing Assistant Merchant-level coverage across Apparel and Packs, then transition into coverage for the Associate Director of Merchandising – Apparel, with responsibilities expanding as the role progresses.

• Phase 1 will focus on day-to-day merchandising support, including maintaining product data and PLM records, supporting seasonal assortments and line sheets, tracking category performance, and coordinating product and go-to-market timelines.
• Experience with Centric or a comparable PLM system will be important, as this role will work closely with product records, style information, and other product data throughout the product lifecycle.
• Phase 2 will provide coverage for the Associate Director of Merchandising – Apparel, with expanded responsibilities across category strategy, go-to-market execution, and in-season business management.
• Throughout both phases, you’ll partner closely with Product Merchandising, Design, Planning, Sourcing, and other cross-functional teams.
• This is an ideal opportunity for a motivated, curious, and organized merchant who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, working cross-functionally, and balancing strategic thinking with detailed execution.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in merchandising, product merchandising, or a related role, ideally within apparel, outdoor, or consumer products.
• Strong hands-on experience with Centric or a comparable PLM system, with the ability to manage detailed product data accurately and efficiently.
• Highly analytical and strategic, with strong attention to detail and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, cross-functional initiatives, and timelines simultaneously.
• A creative, entrepreneurial thinker who enjoys solving problems, challenging the status quo, and finding thoughtful solutions.
• Collaborative and clear communicator who works effectively across Product Merchandising, Design, Planning, Sourcing, Sales, Marketing, and Operations.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Passionate about Cotopaxi’s mission and motivated by the opportunity to use business as a force for good.

Requirements

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date product records in Centric and other internal systems, including style information, pricing, product details, and line sheets.
• Support seasonal line planning, assortment documentation, item setup, and product lifecycle updates.
• Track competitive samples and prepare materials for line reviews, merchant presentations, and other key meetings.
• Support sales tools, product specifications, and go-to-market materials as needed.
• Compile sales reports and product performance recaps to support business insights and decision-making.
• Serve as a point of contact for Customer Experience (CX) and product-related questions, ensuring timely and clear communication.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, and cross-functional touchpoints across Product Merchandising, Design, Planning, and Sourcing.
• Communicate clearly, proactively, and effectively across teams and functions.
• Maintain and execute the established seasonal Apparel category strategy and assortment architecture, including line plan updates, product briefs, margin analysis, SMUs, and special projects.
• Lead execution of Apparel go-to-market strategy, partnering with Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, Design, and Operations and presenting category concepts and styles at seasonal GTM and sales meetings.
• Track in-season sales against budget, support OTB management, translate selling patterns into assortment and inventory recommendations, and contribute to forecasting at key business milestones.

Benefits

• $46/hour ($1,840/week based on 40 hours) - Paid as a 1099 independent contractor. No benefits or tax withholding included.

Company Description

We make adventure travel gear to empower people to see the world and make it better. As a Certified B Corporation, our Gear for GoodⓇ promise drives everything we do - from ethical and sustainable sourcing to products built to last and create lasting change. Through the Cotopaxi Foundation, we dedicate 1% of our revenue to nonprofits that fight poverty and support communities in need. So far, we’ve helped more than 4.25 million people experiencing extreme poverty - and we’re just getting started.

Our team is full of passionate, curious, and mission-driven people who love adventure and believe business can be a force for good. Whether you’re working from a retail shop, our Salt Lake City HQ, your home, or your van in the woods, you’ll find connection, collaboration, and a shared drive to make a difference.