Merchandiser (Temp Contractor)

Job Title: Merchandiser (Contractor)

Job Type: Temporary Contractor (October 2026-April 2027)

Job Location: Cotopaxi HQ: Salt Lake City, Utah (Remote Work Available in PST or MST)

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

About Cotopaxi:
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.

Job Overview (What This Role Is All About):

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.

Job Responsibilities (How You’ll Make An Impact):

Phase 1: Assistant Merchant Coverage

• 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.

Phase 2: Associate Director Coverage

Following the initial Assistant Merchant coverage period, responsibilities will expand to provide parental leave coverage for the Associate Director of Merchandising – Apparel, including:

• Category Strategy: Maintain and execute the established seasonal Apparel category strategy and assortment architecture, including line plan updates, product briefs, margin analysis, SMUs, and special projects.
• Go-to-Market Leadership: 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.
• OTB & In-Season Performance: 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.

The Ideal Candidate (What You’ll Bring to the Role):

• 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.
• Comfortable rolling up your sleeves and working in the details while also understanding the bigger picture.
• 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.

We’re on a mission to Do Good - for people and the planet - and we know that starts with our team. Cotopaxi is proud to be a brand that celebrates every person for who they are and what they bring to the table. No matter your background, age, race, gender, ability, or faith - you belong here.

You don’t have to come from the outdoor industry to make an impact with us. We value curiosity, compassion, and the courage to collaborate openly. So tell us your story - how your journey has shaped you and how you’d like to help Cotopaxi Do Good. We can’t wait to meet you.

Cotopaxi participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.