Purpose
This role is responsible for maximising the profitability of the Centre of Excellence (COE) Retail by overseeing and managing all the day-to-day running of the department from through sales and stock analysis, in-season forecasting and trading, range planning, stock management, managing Open-To-Buy (OTB) and the Weekly Stock Sales and Intake (WSSI) as well as potentialising business plans. A key focus also is training and development of the team to ensure merchandising best practise and excellence is maintained and implemented.
Key Accountabilities
* Manage key strategic priorities in line with the company and the COE Merchandising framework.
* Initiate the continuous improvement of all merchandising systems and tools.
* Be aware of Allocation and Replenishment (A&R) techniques and processes and direct the Allocator.
* Ensure that promotional activities for the department are analysed and executed from reliable data. Contribute to the creation of a calendar for promotional events.
* Collate regular analysis of competitor activity, prepare a comprehensive report to the Head of Merchandising (pre-, in- and post-season) and define an action plan.
* Action the overall market and competitive pricing strategy and deliver a comprehensive pricing policy based on the results and business goals (pre-, in- and post-season).
* Contribute to the design of and implement a set of key merchandising reports that help evaluate the business goals and ensure this is rolled out within the departments.
* Develop and own class based OTB plan and forecast at article level.
* Execute an effective grading/option plan in line with space management (pre-season).
* Ensure integration of ratio management in all merchandising activities.
* Action relevant and in depth analysis to support buying commitment decisions.
* Provide fact-based product input and feedback for internal/external stakeholders.
* Manage the end-to-end in-season management including management of best sellers and worst sellers, in season stock cover management, in season reactivity and sales to space management using the tools available such as the WSSI. Input to strategy and action execution of end-of-season management.
* Contribute to the development of a merchandising training program.
* Action the optimal flow of merchandise incl. fulfilment of product/marketing introduction deadlines/capacity planning.
* Ensure collaboration with Marketing, Visual Merchandising (VM), Store Operations and markets.
* Ensure the given budget is invested to achieve targets by effetely building the range/assortment plan.
* Store visits as needed and advised by the business (expected ratio office/travel is 90%/10%).
* Other duties as requested by your manager.
* People Management:
o Evaluate the competencies of his/her subordinates on a regular basis and provides prompt and feedback and guidance to drive high performance.
o Takes ownership for Talent Management processes to grow, develop and retain talents.
o Promote a high performance culture by setting clear expectations and individual goals.
o Translate the company goals into team specific actions and business plans. Control and monitor performance and results.
Knowledge, Capabilities and Experience
* Intermediate to advanced skills in MS Office
* Fluent in English
* Additional language is an advantage
* Good understanding of Retail Management systems
* Strong analytical skills
* Structured, organised and process orientated
* Attention to detail as error in analysis will have crucial impact to business
* Ability to work effectively within a team environment and under pressure
Qualifications
1. University degree in business, ideally with marketing and sales focus or equivalent professional experience
2. Merchandising Experience: 6 - 8 years
3. Management Experience: 0 - 3 years