Sporting Fashion & Goods
(Senior) Manager Global Retail Category Planning
Mid Level
Herzogenaurach, Germany
in office
Full time
Job description
About the Role
The (Senior) Manager Global Retail Category Planning drives the global merchandising strategy for a specific category across Direct-to-Consumer channels, ensuring a commercially strong, consumer-relevant, and differentiated product offer across Full Price Stores, Factory Outlets, and E-commerce. The role works closely with Global GTM and Regional Merchandising teams to shape DTC-specific assortment strategies, including retail exclusives, product lifecycle management, and alignment with retail marketing across all channels. It combines strategic assortment definition with cross-functional collaboration, regional support, and performance analysis, and operates within a fast-paced, matrix organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Define assortment principles and build a clear, differentiated product strategy across E-commerce, Full Price Stores, and Factory Outlet channels, aligned with the overall brand direction.
- Develop assortment frameworks covering product flow, depth, breadth, option and article count across business units, gender, age groups, product groups, franchises, and price points and price tiers.
- Ensure the right balance between core, seasonal, and trend-driven products.
- Define seasonal launch and drop calendars to drive traffic, engagement, and productivity.
- Partner closely with Global GTM, Product Merchandising, Planning, Marketing, and Retail Marketing teams.
- Ensure DTC requirements are embedded early in the product creation process.
- Align merchandising strategies with retail execution across stores and online channels.
- Support compelling product presentations through strong storytelling and channel execution.
- Provide frameworks, tools, and strategic guidance to regional merchandising teams, supporting localisation of assortments while maintaining global consistency.
- Enable clear channel segmentation and execution excellence across markets.
- Monitor key business metrics such as sell-through, margin, and inventory productivity.
- Identify opportunities and risks to improve future assortments and product flows, and provide insights to Global GTM and Product Creation teams.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
- 5–8+ years of experience in merchandising, preferably in sportswear or fashion retail.
- Strong experience in DTC / Retail merchandising.
- Proven track record of driving commercial results.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Deep understanding of retail KPIs and merchandising levers.
- Consumer-centric mindset with strong commercial acumen.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, matrix organisation.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.
Preferred Skills
- Full Price and Factory Outlet merchandising exposure.
The Application Process
Applications are submitted online, with candidates following the steps to upload their application. Every application is reviewed by real people committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity; no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions, and every decision is made by people with real judgement and accountability. AI-supported functions may be used for isolated organisational steps such as scheduling interviews, and these have no influence on decisions in the application process.
- Apply online and follow the steps to upload your application.
About the Company
PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel, and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers, and the PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf, and stichd, operating in 120+ countries with around 22,000 employees worldwide. PUMA looks for candidates who reflect its SPEED & SPIRIT values — being driven in performance, vibrant in sporting legacy, and together in team spirit — while letting individual talent and experience shine. PUMA provides equal opportunities for all job applicants regardless of race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
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