Merchandising Associate

Act as the liaison for the national, rental and bedding sales organizations, resolving issues relative to orders, product delivery, credits/deducts, warranties, returns, pricing, reports, inventory, marketing and IT within Ashley Furniture Industries; provide answers to frequently asked questions from accounts, stores, and internal customers.
Participate in the overall product strategies, industry research, analysis, requirements and development for new and emerging products by working as a team member or project lead.
Collaborate with the product development team and factory contacts during the product testing and implementation phases to ensure product integrity. Assist in reviewing new product samples to ensure that they are correct and meet customer requirements, including any reviews needed with the customers. Requests product specifications or guidelines;thoroughly reviews with internal engineering/product development teams. Enforces any product deviations listed in product guidelines to internal teams and communicates any feedback provided by customers. Review all labels, hangtags, and booklets for 100% accuracy
Develop and maintain a prioritized list of business, user and market requirements for each channel of distribution or product category.
Manage cross-functionally, all aspects of product realization/launch for new products, product life cycle and future product reviews.
Assist in managing and make recommendations for customer specific product development schedules, delivery schedules and ensure vendor guideline adherence for all customers; maintain vendor agreements and update Sharepoint.
Collaborate with Supply Chain Planning on forecasting products to meet customer inventory levels and delivery timelines. Request transfers or adjustments to production schedules to insure order fulfillment. Enter and maintain Ad Notices.
Evaluate, recommend and implement improvements to company processes related to product and account management, including project proposal processes and detailed product requirements.
Assist in the onboarding of new accounts. Complete set up sheets or other vendor onboarding requirements requested by the account. Obtain access to vendor/transportation portals and request account specifications and;or guidelines. Work cross-functionally with several internal departments to communicate special requirements (i.e packaging, labels, assembly booklets, hangtags, photography, samples, ship to set up, and more) Approve or provide feedback to EDI on the Business Document Review. Monitor EDI testing and provide answers or assistance when needed. Work through Onboarding Checklist to ensure all tasks are completed for the set up of a new account.
Work closely with the Sales Vice Presidents and Directors by providing presentation material for all customer meetings, markets and new product development.
Works closely with the Quality Department to investigate damages and manufacturing defects. Communicate effectively with clients on discoveries and resolutions.
Assists Credit Department with dsiputing unpaid invoices, priciing issues, short payments, charbeacks, penalties, and other credit related issues with clients. Provide BOL's, proof of delivery, pricing extracts, or other documents to assist in the dispute process.
Align new item set with overseas team to insure digital shelf execution. Communicate customer specifications for photography, deadlines, and assist when needed. Maintain Custom Sets for special packaging and My Sku.
Partner with import team to ensure compliaance requirements for partner accounts are consistently being reviewed and updated.
Assist with Digital Asset and Product Audits. Check client websites to verify all information is 100% accurate and complete. Update or add content when needed.