Merchandising Manager, Private Labels

KNG is a fashion and lifestyle company delivering high-quality apparel across branded and private label businesses. As a key private label partner to Stitch Fix, KNG develops exclusive, data-driven products that balances trend relevance, customer needs, quality, fit, and profitability at scale.

Position Overview:

The Merchandising Manager leads the overall merchandising strategy and end-to-end execution for KNG’s Stitch Fix private label business. This role connects data, trends, customer insights, and financial goals to drive profitable growth. Acting as the primary liaison between Stitch Fix and internal cross-functional teams (Design, Product Development, Production, Planning, and Account Management), the role requires a balance of strong product intuition, commercial strategy, and operational rigor.

What You’ll Do:

• Strategy, Line Planning & Assortment Management
• Develop and execute seasonal and in-season merchandising strategies, line plans, style architectures, and pricing strategies for Stitch Fix.
• Partner with Design to ensure assortments are commercially viable, trend-relevant, and differentiated.
• Recommend category mix, style counts, pricing, and repeat/core opportunities.
• Manage detailed line sheets, line lists, Pre-POs, and buy executions.
• Client & Cross-Functional Leadership
• Serve as the primary merchandising contact for Stitch Fix, participating in client line reviews, milestone meetings, and performance recaps.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across Design, Product Development, Production, Planning, and Account Management across the product lifecycle.
• Manage operational workflows, calendars, and milestones to resolve risks regarding margin, quality, timing, or delivery.
• Manage and mentor a Merchandising Associate.
• Financials, Costing & Analytics
• Oversee costing details (MOQs, fabric economics, duties, freight) to safeguard margin targets and profitability.
• Collaborate with Planning to align buy quantities, flow, and depth with financial targets and sales velocity.
• Analyze sell-through, rate of sale, inventory, returns, and SKU productivity to extract actionable takeaways for future line builds.
• Leverage test-and-learn findings and client feedback to continuously optimize product investments.

Who You Are:

• 8+ years of apparel merchandising experience, with a focus on private label (denim and/or cut-and-sew expertise highly preferred).
• Commercial & Analytical Acumen: Deep understanding of costing, wholesale pricing, margins, inventory, and lifecycle management.
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills.
• Execution & Operations: Proven experience managing line plans, Pre-POs, buy execution, and cross-functional processes.
• Communication & Leadership: Strong presentation, stakeholder management, and direct people management abilities.

Preferred:

• Direct experience working with data-driven retail partners (e.g., Stitch Fix) or high-volume private label environments.
• Familiarity with PLM/ERP systems and merchandising tools.