Merchandise Operations Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Anakeesta - Gatlinburg, TN, Salary Range: $23.00Hourly, Merchandise Operations Specialist

Position Summary

The Merchandise Operations Specialist reports directly to the Merchandise Planner/Buyer and supports Anakeesta’s retail merchandising operations by maintaining accurate product, purchasing, and inventory data across all retail properties.

Responsibilities include item and SKU creation, purchase-order entry, PAR-level maintenance, replenishment support, cycle counts, inventory analysis, reporting, and database accuracy. This detail-oriented position uses inventory systems, sales data, and analytical thinking to support effective merchandise decisions. This position does not primarily select products or develop merchandise assortments.

Responsibilities

Item Setup & Data Management

· Collect and review product, vendor, purchasing, and inventory information from approved digital sources and accurately enter it into company systems.

· Create and maintain SKUs for assigned properties and merchandise categories.

· Enter and maintain product descriptions, costs, retail prices, pack quantities, UPCs, PAR levels, vendor information, and other item identifiers in accordance with established data-entry standards and procedures.

· Review incoming information for missing details, inconsistencies, or errors before completing system entries.

· Validate completed entries against source information to ensure accuracy.

· Perform routine database maintenance and data cleanup.

· Identify and correct duplicate, incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate records.

· Maintain accurate product, vendor, pricing, purchasing, and inventory information across company systems.

Purchase Orders & Replenishment

· Enter purchase orders accurately and promptly based on information provided by the Merchandise Planner/Buyer.

· Monitor open purchase orders, delivery schedules, and receiving progress.

· Assist with routine reorders and replenishment based on approved PAR levels, current inventory, sales activity, and direction from the Merchandise Planner/Buyer.

· Evaluate inventory needs and recommend adjustments to store and warehouse PAR levels.

· Maintain pack quantities, UPCs, PAR levels, and other identifiers to improve reorder and replenishment processes.

· Research and assist with resolving purchase-order, pricing, shipping, receiving, and item-setup discrepancies.

· Communicate order and inventory concerns to the appropriate team members.

Inventory Management & Accuracy

· Support scheduled cycle counts and physical inventories across retail and warehouse locations.

· Enter inventory-count results and assist with researching and resolving discrepancies.

· Review inventory information for negative balances, duplicate items, receiving errors, and incorrect units of measure.

· Monitor inventory levels to help identify out-of-stocks, overstocks, aging inventory, and replenishment needs.

· Partner with the Merchandise Planner/Buyer to execute approved plans for slow-selling, aging, or excess inventory.

· Support ongoing efforts to improve inventory accuracy across all properties.

· Partner with Warehouse, Receiving, and Store Operations teams to help maintain accurate and efficient product flow.

Reporting & Analysis

· Compile, organize, and analyze sales, inventory, and product-performance data.

· Support the Merchandise Planner/Buyer by providing information used to develop seasonal strategies, sales plans, and financial targets.

· Prepare routine sales, inventory, replenishment, purchase-order, and exception reports.

· Use analytical thinking to identify inventory and data opportunities, research discrepancies, solve problems, and support informed decisions.

· Analyze product performance and inventory levels to recommend markdown opportunities.

· Prepare clear and accurate markdown documents for distribution to and execution by Store Operations teams.

· Assist with SKU rationalization by identifying inactive, duplicate, or underperforming items.

· Monitor product and inventory performance and communicate concerns and recommended actions to the Merchandise Planner/Buyer.

Cross-Functional & Operational Support

· Collaborate with the Merchandise Planner/Buyer, Warehouse, Receiving, Store Operations, Marketing, and leadership teams to support sales and inventory objectives.

· Respond to routine product, purchasing, and inventory questions from internal teams.

· Assist with new store openings, seasonal transitions, product launches, and other merchandise initiatives through item setup and inventory support.

· Support other departments and locations across all Anakeesta properties during high-volume or critical operating periods to help provide a high level of guest service.

· Assist with guest product inquiries and return requests as needed.

· Perform other data-entry, purchasing, inventory, analytical, and operational duties as assigned.
Qualifications: What You Need

· High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, data analytics, or a related field is preferred.

· Previous experience in retail data entry, inventory, purchasing, receiving, warehouse operations, reporting, or a related role is preferred.

· Proficiency with inventory and purchasing systems such as Eatec is preferred.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to organize, filter, review, and analyze data.

· Strong data-entry skills with a high level of speed and accuracy.

· Basic understanding of purchase orders, inventory replenishment, PAR levels, and cycle counts.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify inconsistencies and research discrepancies.

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet recurring deadlines.

· Ability to communicate findings and recommendations clearly.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple departments and properties.

· Ability to maintain accurate and confidential company records.

Perks of Working with Us

· Competitive pay

· Paid time off

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance

· Employee discounts on food and merchandise

· Free admission for employees and immediate family

· Generous pass exchange program with area attractions

About Us

Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offering exceptional dining, retail, and outdoor experiences. We are committed to supporting our guests and team members by creating a safe, efficient, and enjoyable work environment.

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