SR Coordinator - Aerie Business & Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Coordinator – Aerie Business Strategies, Omni Product Strategy

Company: American Eagle Outfitters

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Business Strategy / Product Strategy / Retail Operations

Date Posted: April 03, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the strategic direction and execution of Aerie's product assortment across all consumer touchpoints, focusing on Omni Product Strategy.

• The Senior Coordinator will be instrumental in developing and executing pre-season strategies, ensuring seamless alignment between product, creative, marketing, and merchandising efforts.

• Key responsibilities include managing end-to-end photoshoot processes, developing essential training materials for store associates, and contributing to critical seasonal planning and product milestone meetings.

• This position requires a blend of strong analytical capabilities, creative problem-solving, and exceptional project management skills to drive product success in a dynamic retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests "Coordinator," the required 6+ years of experience and the depth of responsibilities, particularly in strategy development and project ownership (e.g., Holiday GWPs, photoshoot management), indicate a mid-to-senior level role within the business strategy and operations function. The focus on "Omni Product Strategy" places this role squarely within the intersection of product management, merchandising operations, and go-to-market execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Pre-Season Strategy Development: Partner with cross-functional teams (CFT) to develop and support digital strategies, including section images, trend shops, and buying guides, ensuring product alignment with seasonal themes.

• Project Management & Execution: Manage strategic projects such as influencer gifting, PR editor gifts, and social giveaways to inform future strategies and enhance product visibility.

• Training Material Creation: Own the creation and development of comprehensive store associate training materials in collaboration with Merchandising and Store Experience teams to ensure effective product knowledge dissemination.

• Strategic Meeting Support: Prepare and contribute to essential pre-season meetings, including Product Milestone meetings and Seasonal CFT Meetings, by providing necessary documentation and insights.

• Seasonal Brief & Architecture: Support the Senior Manager in maintaining and updating the strategic Seasonal Brief and Seasonal Architecture documents, ensuring accurate product planning.

• Photoshoot Oversight: Oversee the entire photoshoot process in partnership with Styling to create key looks for leadership approval, manage sample logistics, and document shoot plans.

• Supplemental Creative Shoots: Collaborate with Creative and Studio teams to conduct supplemental studio shoots for trend analysis, guides, chase items, and surveys as needed.

• In-Store Execution Alignment: Attend Store Walk-Thrus to ensure product priorities are effectively translated across all store formats and partner with Store Marketing for necessary signage and marketing elements.

• Holiday GWP Management: Manage the end-to-end process for Holiday Gift with Purchase (GWP) initiatives, from initial concept through to in-store delivery.

• In-Season Digital Planning: Contribute to Webset & Email digital planning by identifying outbound marketing product priorities and key trends.

• Art Review & Accuracy: Ensure the accuracy of all customer-facing digital touch-points related to product through rigorous participation in the Art Review Process.

• Business Insights & Trends: Attend critical business meetings (e.g., Monday Business Meetings, Executional Downloads, MPC, Virtual Selling Reviews) to stay informed on business trends and product performance.

• Cross-Functional Cadence: Lead weekly Studio TB, bi-weekly Social TB, and monthly Store Experience TB meetings to drive alignment and action.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a role that bridges strategic planning with operational execution, particularly in the product lifecycle from concept to in-store and digital presentation. The emphasis on "Omni Product Strategy" and collaboration with diverse teams (Creative, Marketing, Merchandising, Store Experience) highlights the need for strong cross-functional operational coordination and project management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Fashion Acumen: Keen sense of fashion and personal taste, with a deep understanding of designer fashion trends and the ability to translate seasonal stories for the target customer.

• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to conceptualize business risks and opportunities, and to create strategies that maximize impact and meet objectives.

• Analytical & Creative Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical skills combined with the ability to develop creative solutions and executable plans.

• Project Management: Strong project management skills, covering the entire lifecycle from conception to completion, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines effectively.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas persuasively and tactfully.

• Interpersonal Skills: Poise, tact, and diplomacy, with the ability to remain composed under pressure and build strong working relationships.

• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team and collaborate with diverse cross-functional partners.

• Adaptability & Risk-Taking: Willingness to be a risk-taker, explore new approaches to improve learning, and drive innovation.

• Technology Proficiency: High degree of proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and familiarity with project management tools like Monday.com.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital design tools such as Figma.

• Previous experience in a retail operations or merchandising strategy role.

• Familiarity with e-commerce platforms and digital merchandising principles.

• Understanding of retail calendar planning and seasonal product lifecycle management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 6+ years of buying experience, combined with the strategic and project management responsibilities, positions this role as a mid-level contributor with significant ownership. The emphasis on "Omni Product Strategy" and cross-functional collaboration suggests a need for candidates who can bridge creative vision with operational execution and data-driven decision-making.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Planning Case Studies: Showcase examples of pre-season strategy development, demonstrating an understanding of market trends, customer insights, and product assortment planning.

• Project Management Examples: Provide documentation or case studies of projects managed from inception to completion, highlighting timelines, cross-functional coordination, and successful outcomes (e.g., GWP initiatives, campaign execution).

• Creative Briefs & Execution Plans: Include examples of briefs developed for creative teams or marketing initiatives, illustrating how product strategies were translated into actionable plans.

• Training Material Development: Present samples or descriptions of training materials created for retail associates, demonstrating clarity, effectiveness, and alignment with business objectives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Documentation: Evidence of successful collaboration with diverse teams (e.g., Merchandising, Marketing, Creative, Store Operations), perhaps through project plans or communication summaries.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Examples of how you have analyzed and improved existing retail processes, particularly related to product lifecycle management, campaign execution, or cross-functional alignment.

• Cross-Functional Process Integration: Demonstrations of how you have facilitated integration between different departments to ensure cohesive execution of product strategies across Omni channels.

• Performance Measurement: Showcase how you have tracked and reported on the success of product strategies or initiatives, using data to inform future planning and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on strategy development and cross-functional execution, a portfolio should highlight not just the 'what' but the 'how.' Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their process for developing strategies, managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring seamless execution across various channels.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits: Including medical, vision, and dental insurance plans.

• Wellness Programs: Support for employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company matching.

• Insurance Coverage: Life insurance and disability insurance.

• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP): Opportunity to invest in the company.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous allocation for vacation and personal needs.

• Paid Sick Leave: For health-related absences.

• Parental Leave: Support for new parents.

• Holiday Pay: Compensation for designated public holidays.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required during peak seasons or for specific project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles and locations. The listed benefits are comprehensive and typical for a large, publicly traded retail company like American Eagle Outfitters. The "n/a" for supervised staff indicates this is an individual contributor role, which often influences salary bands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Fashion Retail, Specialty Retail. American Eagle Outfitters operates in a highly competitive global market, emphasizing casual, comfortable, and timeless apparel with a focus on optimism, inclusivity, and authenticity.

Company Size: Large (Likely 10,000+ employees based on typical apparel retailers of this scale). This size implies structured processes, established career paths, and potential for significant impact within a large organization.

Founded: 1977. A long-standing history suggests stability, established brand recognition, and deep experience in the retail landscape.

Team Structure:

• Aerie Business Strategies Team: This role sits within the "Aerie Business Strategies" pillar, specifically focusing on "Omni Product Strategy." This suggests a dedicated team focused on strategic planning and execution for the Aerie brand.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with various departments including Creative, Marketing, Site Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Store Experience, Merchandising, and Design. This indicates a matrixed or highly integrated operating model.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Reports to a Senior Manager/Manager within Business Strategies, Omni Product Strategy. This implies a clear reporting line within a strategic planning function.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: The role emphasizes developing strategies based on market trends, product performance, and customer insights, suggesting a data-informed approach to decision-making.

• Seasonal Planning Cycles: A significant portion of the work revolves around pre-season and in-season planning, reflecting a structured, calendar-driven operational rhythm common in retail.

• Omni-Channel Execution: The focus on "Omni Product Strategy" highlights a commitment to consistent and effective product presentation and marketing across all customer touchpoints (digital, in-store).

Company Website: https://www.aeo-inc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "optimism, inclusivity and authenticity" and the "Better Together" culture are key cultural indicators. For operations roles, this translates to a need for collaborative individuals who are aligned with these values and can work effectively across diverse teams. The large company size suggests a need for candidates who can navigate established corporate structures and processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Coordinator, indicating a mid-level individual contributor role. It requires significant experience (6+ years) and ownership of key strategic and operational processes within product strategy. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for those looking to advance into management roles within merchandising, strategy, or operations.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Coordinator reports to a Senior Manager or Manager within the Aerie Business Strategies team. This provides direct mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders in the field, offering opportunities to learn advanced strategic planning and execution methodologies.

Operations Impact: The role directly influences the success of Aerie's product assortments by ensuring strategic alignment, effective execution, and compelling presentation across all channels. This impact is critical for driving sales, brand perception, and customer engagement in a competitive retail market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Managerial Roles: Successful performance can lead to promotion to Manager roles within Business Strategies, Product Strategy, Merchandising, or related operational functions.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in retail strategy, omni-channel execution, project management, and cross-functional leadership. Exposure to various aspects of the product lifecycle and go-to-market planning.

• Brand Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert on the Aerie brand and its unique product strategy, leading to further specialization and leadership within that specific brand vertical.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working closely with diverse teams provides broad exposure to different business functions, enhancing overall business acumen and opening doors to opportunities in areas like marketing operations, merchandising operations, or digital strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Coordinator" title, coupled with the extensive responsibilities and experience requirements, suggests a role that offers substantial ownership and learning opportunities, making it a strong developmental role for aspiring operations and strategy leaders in retail.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The address (77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh) suggests a modern office environment, likely within a commercial district or business park, common for corporate headquarters or regional offices of large retail organizations. This environment is typically conducive to focused work and collaboration.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Pittsburgh, PA. The job description also notes travel is required, specifically to NYC. This indicates a need for individuals comfortable with occasional business travel to key markets or corporate hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office space is expected to facilitate regular interaction with cross-functional teams, including Creative, Marketing, Merchandising, and Store Experience. This fosters a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to essential tools like Google Workspace and Monday.com, along with potential exposure to design software like Figma, ensures a modern and efficient operational setup.

• Team Interaction: The role involves leading and participating in various team meetings (Studio TB, Social TB, Store Experience TB), promoting a culture of active engagement and knowledge sharing among operations and strategy professionals.

Work Schedule: Typically a standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday. However, the fast-paced retail environment and project-driven nature of the role may require flexibility, occasional longer hours, and weekend work during critical periods like seasonal planning, photoshoots, or major campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of travel to NYC suggests that key decision-making, creative reviews, or strategic alignment meetings might occur there, requiring the candidate to be adaptable to different work settings and stakeholder interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience in buying, retail strategy, and project management.

• First Round Interview: Likely a behavioral and situational interview with the hiring manager to assess fit, experience, and understanding of the role's core responsibilities. Preparation for questions regarding fashion sense, strategic thinking, and collaboration is key.

• Second Round/Panel Interview: May involve interviews with cross-functional partners (e.g., from Creative, Merchandising, Marketing) to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the omni-channel landscape. A case study or presentation might be introduced here.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, showcasing relevant projects, strategic plans, or process improvements that align with the role's requirements.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to assess strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 impactful projects that best demonstrate your experience in strategy development, project management, cross-functional collaboration, and retail execution.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the process you followed, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and quantifiable results or key learnings.

• Showcase Omni-Channel Thinking: Highlight examples where you successfully integrated product strategies across digital and physical touchpoints.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: If relevant, show how you've used tools like Google Sheets for analysis, Monday.com for project tracking, or Figma for creative review.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative that highlights your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and ability to drive results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy Case Study: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to develop a pre-season strategy for a specific product category or initiative. Focus on market analysis, target customer, competitive landscape, and execution channels.

• Project Management Scenario: Expect questions on how you would manage a complex project with competing priorities and diverse stakeholders, such as a new product launch or a seasonal campaign.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would address a specific challenge, like improving product presentation in-store or optimizing digital content for a new trend.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case studies suggests that American Eagle Outfitters values candidates who can demonstrate tangible results and strategic thinking beyond just listing responsibilities on a resume. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Google Workspace: Essential for daily operations, including document creation (Docs), data analysis and reporting (Sheets), and presentations (Slides). Proficiency in advanced Sheets functions (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) is highly beneficial for data-driven strategy.

• Monday.com: Mentioned specifically, this platform is likely used for project management, task tracking, workflow automation, and cross-functional team collaboration. Familiarity with setting up projects, managing timelines, and reporting within Monday.com is expected.

• Figma: Indicated as a tool for creative and studio teams, suggesting the Senior Coordinator may need to review designs, provide feedback, or collaborate on visual assets within this platform. Understanding its capabilities for design review is advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly named, the role's analytical requirements imply the use of internal reporting tools or platforms for sales data, web analytics, and market trend analysis. Candidates should be comfortable interpreting data from various sources.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned, but experience with retail-specific CRM systems or marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns) would be a plus, given the involvement in digital planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Google Workspace and Monday.com are explicitly required. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and ability to leverage these tools for strategic planning, project execution, and team coordination. Familiarity with Figma is a strong plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Optimism & Authenticity: A drive to approach challenges with a positive outlook and genuine solutions, reflecting the company's core brand values.

• Inclusivity & Belonging: A commitment to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and all team members feel respected and integrated.

• Collaboration ("Better Together"): A strong emphasis on teamwork, mutual support, and shared success across departments to achieve common goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics and insights to inform strategic choices and measure the impact of initiatives, promoting efficiency and effectiveness.

• Customer-Centricity: A focus on understanding and serving the Aerie customer's needs and preferences in all product and strategy decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is built on seamless collaboration with various departments, requiring proactive communication, active listening, and the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

• Process-Oriented: Working within structured planning cycles (pre-season, in-season) necessitates a methodical approach to collaboration, ensuring all inputs are considered and integrated effectively.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages open feedback for continuous improvement, particularly in creative reviews, training material development, and strategic planning sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should align their communication and work style with AEO's stated values of optimism, inclusivity, and collaboration. Demonstrating an ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment and drive consensus will be crucial for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Objectives: Effectively translating brand aesthetic and customer trends into commercially viable product strategies that meet sales targets.

• Navigating Cross-Functional Dependencies: Managing numerous stakeholders with potentially competing priorities and ensuring alignment across Creative, Marketing, Merchandising, and Store Operations.

• Rapidly Evolving Retail Landscape: Adapting strategies and execution plans to fast-changing consumer preferences, market trends, and digital innovations in the apparel industry.

• Translating Strategy to Execution: Ensuring that strategic plans developed pre-season are accurately and effectively implemented across all Omni channels, from website imagery to in-store displays and associate training.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Planning Acumen: Deepen expertise in retail strategy development, market analysis, and competitive intelligence through hands-on experience.

• Omni-Channel Operations Mastery: Gain comprehensive understanding of how product strategies are executed across diverse channels, including e-commerce, mobile, and physical retail environments.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop strong leadership and influencing skills by working with and guiding diverse teams towards common objectives.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry events, conferences, or training sessions relevant to retail, fashion, and strategy.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from senior leaders within the Business Strategies team, fostering career growth and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges and growth opportunities shows a proactive approach to career development and an understanding of the complexities within a large retail operations and strategy function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a product strategy for a specific customer segment. What was your process, what data did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your strategic thinking, data analysis, and results).

• "How do you ensure that creative execution aligns with business objectives and brand strategy in a retail environment?" (Highlight your understanding of the creative process and cross-functional collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Aerie's brand and its Omni Product Strategy?" (Research Aerie's current initiatives, target audience, and brand messaging).

• "How do you approach working with creative teams to ensure their output meets strategic goals while maintaining creative integrity?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and understanding of creative processes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of Aerie's business and the role's strategic importance. Then, walk through 2-3 key projects, using a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework.

• Visuals: Use clean, professional slides that highlight key data, strategic frameworks, and outcomes. If possible, show examples of your work (e.g., briefs, plans, training materials).

• Focus on Process: For each project, detail your thought process, how you collaborated, the tools you used, and the impact you achieved. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience in fashion merchandising, retail strategy, omni-channel execution, and project management.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects and your approach to operations and strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience with specific retail operations processes and demonstrate how they apply strategic thinking to drive business results, especially within the context of fashion and apparel.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in fashion merchandising, retail buying, business strategy, project management, and omni-channel execution. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Omni Product Strategy," "pre-season strategies," "cross-functional collaboration," and specific tool mentions (Google Workspace, Monday.com). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 impactful projects that align with the responsibilities outlined. Focus on demonstrating strategic planning, project execution, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable results. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Company & Brand Research: Thoroughly research American Eagle Outfitters, with a particular focus on the Aerie brand's current market position, target customer, recent campaigns, and strategic initiatives. Understand their commitment to inclusivity and their "Better Together" culture.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by practicing your responses using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss your experience with the required tools and articulate how your skills align with the role's demands for strategic thinking, execution, and collaboration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.