Merchandising Assistant

Job Title: Merchandising Assistant

Reports To: Director of Merchandising

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Department: Merchandising

Location: North Branford, CT (Hybrid – onsite required 2–3 days per week)

About Uno Alla Volta

Uno Alla Volta (“One at a Time”) is a unique artisan brand that collaborates with makers around the world to create handcrafted treasures for the home and self. Each piece tells the story of the artisan who created it — blending craftsmanship, creativity, and connection. As part of the Guild Brands portfolio, Uno Alla Volta is headquartered in North Branford, CT, with a focus on catalog, e-commerce, and digital growth.

Overview

The Merchandising Assistant supports the merchandising team in developing and executing seasonal assortments across all categories. This role partners closely with Planning, Creative, Marketing, and Supply Chain to ensure product readiness, vendor communication, and accurate product information from concept through launch.

Key Responsibilities

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential functions listed below. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Sample & Product Management

• Oversee sample organization and tracking in partnership with merchants and creative teams.
• Ensure product samples are prepared for photoshoots, marketing needs, and internal reviews.
• Maintain accurate product specifications, pricing, copy inputs, and attributes in merchandising forms and systems.
• Assist in proofing product details prior to catalog and web launch.

Product Development & Assortment Support

• Support the development and execution of seasonal assortments aligned to brand strategy and financial goals.
• Maintain and update seasonal assortment tools and product trackers.
• Support new product setup and ensure alignment across systems and cross-functional teams.
• Partner with the Directory of Merchandising to prepare product briefs, line plans, and vendor communications.
• Assist in competitive research and trend analysis to inform product direction.

Vendor Management & Communication

• Serve as day-to-day point of contact for assigned vendors regarding samples, pricing, minimums, timelines, and product details.
• Track sample status, production calendars, and key ship milestones.
• Follow up on outstanding vendor deliverables and ensure deadlines are met.
• Partner with Planning and Supply Chain to align on purchase orders, timing, and product readiness.

Seasonal Performance & Business Acumen

• Participate and support preparation for weekly merchandising and planning meetings to align product and performance.
• Monitor sales and product performance in partnership with Merchant team and Planning.
• Provide qualitative insights on product feedback and customer response.
• Support markdown, reorder, or lifecycle decisions as directed by Director of Merchandising.
• Support merchant team lead by Director of Merchandising in developing post-season hindsight analysis by category, vendor, and product type.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Fashion, Retail, Business, or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in merchandising, buying, product development, or retail operations.
• Experience working with vendors and managing product timelines preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills required.
• Interest in artisan goods, storytelling, and lifestyle brand development.
• Highly collaborative.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Uno Alla Volta is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and team members regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, military service, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, AIDS/HIV status; medical condition; political activities, affiliations, or beliefs; child or spousal support withholding; domestic violence, assault, or stalking victim status; lawful conduct occurring during nonworking hours away from the employer's premises; credit report or information; citizenship and/or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Uno Alla Volta will provide qualified applicants and team members with disabilities any needed reasonable accommodations as required by law.