Manager Merchandising DTC Lifestyle - EM South

This role develops and executes consumer-centric product assortments that drive sales growth, profitability and brand relevance across adidas Concept Stores, using sales performance data, consumer insights, trend analysis and market intelligence. It shapes the commercial success of the Concept Store channel by delivering compelling assortments, optimising inventory productivity, driving sell-through and leading the execution of key brand campaigns and seasonal moments. The position sits within the Merchandising & Planning team for the EM South cluster and works closely with cluster CTC, EM merchandising, cluster marketing, supply chain and retail teams including store managers, operations and the retail back office.

• Drive a compelling range selection for the cluster by balancing consumer, brand and commercial considerations and supporting the overall business strategy of the channels.
• Deliver net sales and profitability (GIM) by managing pricing, margin, FOBs and category mix.
• Take ownership of product demand forecasting that most accurately reflects consumer demand in the market.
• Proactively drive cluster range enhancements that reflect differentiation in the marketplace where required.
• Advocate for DTC needs in the GTM process to ensure the strategy and product assortment is relevant for the concept store consumer.
• Ensure effective storytelling and monthly phasing of product, and ensure visual appeal working alongside VM in the execution of brand campaigns and key moments.
• Manage the buying process to ensure option count and right volumes are bought following market OTB and category plans.
• Lead and manage the planning and execution of key campaigns and seasonal promotions.
• Review sales and stock to ensure all in-season activity is focused on delivering planned sales, margin and stock objectives, and manage NOOS and key product line availability alongside the Planning Team.
• Contribute to the improvement of allocation and replenishment techniques.
• Prepare mark-downs as required within the given framework and in line with market and global strategy.
• Analyse overall market and competitor activity and pricing strategy on a regular basis.
• Monitor KPIs weekly and distribute key merchandise reports that help evaluate business goals and drive decision making.
• Manage the city tee programme end to end and manage additional category items that drive UPT.
• Review and action fact-based category input and feedback for stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with marketing, the category team, store operations and above-market functions.

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in Merchandising, Buying, Category Management, or a related retail commercial function.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Relevant job experience in a buying function.
• Strong competence with buying procedures and systems.
• Broad and deep theoretical understanding of buying principles.
• Strong analytical ability and influencing skills.
• Structured, organised and process orientated.
• Attention to detail, given the impact this has on the business.
• Ability to work within a team and in a high-pressure environment.
• Advanced Excel.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering sales growth, profitability and inventory productivity.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.

• Experience within fashion, sportswear, apparel, footwear, or retail environments.

The company believes that embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into its culture and talent processes gives its employees a sense of belonging and its brand a real competitive advantage.