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US Merchandising Intern

KEEN Footwear
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Are you passionate about sandals, boots, and everything in between? Do you live and breathe sustainability? Do you have a creative eye, a hunger to learn, and a KEEN interest in the outdoor industry? If you said yes to any of the above, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Position: US Merchandising Intern
Location: KEEN’s Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon (on-site)
Duration: 10 weeks

Compensation: $20/hour
Program Duration: Monday, June 16th – Friday, August 22nd

 

What You'll Do:

As an Intern at KEEN (KEENtern), you’ll dive into the exciting world of footwear, innovation, and community! You’ll get hands-on experience working alongside industry experts and contribute to shaping the future of KEEN.

The US Footwear Merchandising Intern will work closely with the US Footwear Merchandising team, providing support in product assortment planning, visual merchandising, and market research. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an intern to gain valuable hands-on experience with footwear product assortment, samples management, and collaborating with sales and account buying teams. The intern will also assist in preparing materials for external-facing presentations and support the team with competitive market research and market visits.

 

Essential Responsibilities
• Assist the US Footwear Merchandising team in managing product samples and organizing visual merchandising materials.
• Help create visual toolkits to support product assortments and presentation materials.
• Support the team in preparing presentations for external stakeholders, including sales teams, retailers, and partners.
• Collaborate with the sales and account buying teams to learn about current market trends and consumer preferences.
• Support competitive market research, including gathering insights and trends within the footwear category.
• Assist with milestone Go-To-Market (GTM) meetings, ensuring necessary materials and updates are prepared for team discussions.
• Provide support during local market travel to capture insights and assist in trail run development for product categories.

 

What We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking someone who embodies our passion for creativity, sustainability, and the great outdoors. Our ideal KEENtern is:

  • Passionate: Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, committed to sustainability, or fascinated by footwear trends and innovation, you’re excited to engage with the world around you.
  • Creatively Minded: You’re detail-oriented, love bringing fresh ideas to life, and have a knack for solving problems.
  • A Strong Communicator: Whether it’s collaborating with a team or presenting ideas, you know how to express yourself clearly and effectively.
  • Proactive & Eager to Learn: You’re curious, ready to ask questions, take initiative, and dive into new challenges with enthusiasm.

 

Why Intern with Us?

Being a KEENtern means you’re not just an intern—you’re a valued part of our KEEN community. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Meaningful Work: Tackle real-world projects that make an impact, gaining valuable hands-on experience at a globally recognized brand.
  • Collaborative Environment: Partner with talented teammates and work on in a group project with other KEENterns.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build connections with industry experts and mentors who can help shape your career.
  • Perks & Benefits: Enjoy product discounts, a subsidized cafeteria, and an inspiring workspace.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Immerse yourself in Portland – a vibrant city nestled between the mountains and the coast – a hub for all things outdoors, such as hiking, biking, rafting, camping, and climbing.

 

Program Requirements:

To qualify for this internship, you must:

  • Be a Junior, Senior, or Graduate student working toward a degree in Merchandising, Marketing, Business, Fashion, or a related field.
  • Be eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Commit to a 10-week program from mid-June through mid-August
  • Dedicate 40 hours per week during standard M-F, PST working hours
  • All roles are located in Portland, OR. Must be able to move to Portland during the duration of the internship if you are not already living here.
  • Plan no more than four total days of vacation during the internship
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new software and tools.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
  • Strong attention to detail in preparation of presentations, reports, and materials.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a team.
  • Comfortable sitting at a desk and using a computer for extended periods of time.
  • Knowledge of the footwear industry, fashion trends, and consumer insights is a plus.

Travel Requirement: Willingness for local travel for market research and competitive insights.

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to take your passions to the next level and be part of a world-class team, please apply.

 

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.

Fuerst Group, KEEN and Chrome are equal opportunity employers.  We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.