Global Merchandise Manager

Job Details
Level
Experienced
Job Location
Corporate Office - Winston-Salem, NC - Winston-Salem, NC
Position Type
Full Time
Education Level
4 Year Degree
Job Shift
1st Shift
Job Category
Business Development
Description
An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
SUMMARY:
The Merchandise Manager will lead and implement product strategy for assigned brands. This position is responsible for managing end-to-end product lifecycle for a specific brand or brands domestically as well as EMEA, Japan and APAC regions. Professionally manages relationships and ensures accurate and timely communication and alignment between customer/licensor, merchandising, sourcing, product development, production planning, and customer service. This person manages relationships with internal and external partners to deliver a stronger brand in the marketplace and business for the company. The Merchandise Manager will guide a cross-functional team of Merchandisers, Designers, and Operations to support brand-right product and distribution. This person should also be passionate about driving remote collaboration and digital communication within their team and company. Will work on multi-functional teams to identify and develop and deliver new ideas and brand strategies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Brand Strategy

• Works with Director of International Business Development to develop brand strategies, creating a road map for brand growth and health.
• Collaborates with all internal stakeholders to ensure alignment to brand strategy and excellence in implementation.
• Ensures all activities ladder up to brand strategy including: product, packaging, pricing, promotion, distribution, marketing and research.
• Provides planning and analysis to develop and support brand strategy and business development.
• Manages P&L including revenue, cost of goods, margin, SG&A, and inventory.

Relationship Management

• Key role in driving strong license relationships, ensuring alignment and leveraging opportunities.
• Serves as a key liaison between HQ and regional EMEA, Japan and APAC to coordinate inputs, and investigates and resolves merchandise challenges.
• Direct design/marketing efforts with internal and external partners to deliver excellence in: brand materials, presentations, advertising, social media, PR, collaborations and e-com sites.
• Work with sales to support retail partnerships, and to expand or manage distribution strategies in alignment with Brand objectives.
• Including: development of retail facing materials, support as requested in retail meetings, and analysis and strategy to identify and close distribution gaps.
• Interface with Consumer Insights team to gain qualitative and quantitative insights supporting the development and implementation of winning brand strategies.
• Work with Design, Merchandising and R&D to identify and deliver new ideas in products and innovation to support brand strategies.
• Help create brand advocacy and connectivity across all internal and external stakeholders.
• Other duties may be assigned.
• Adhere to company policies, including attendance and punctuality
• Communicate with co-workers, management and others in a courteous and professional manner;
• Conform with and abide by all regulations, policies, work procedures and instructions including but not limited to confidentiality requirements.
• Manages the Merchandising Calendar for assigned account/business units. Ensures seasonal calendar deadlines are met.
  • Maintains for multiple seasons.
  • Reports timelines and adherence to senior management.
  • Maintains and monitors off calendar requests and collaborates internally with key stakeholders.
• Creates Line Plan management and meetings throughout season.
  • Creates and maintains seasonal line plans for each program in area of responsibility and develops independent recommendations.
• Executes style/SKU level analysis to optimize productivity and margin.
  • Monitors and maintains development and SKU management.
  • Monitors and elevates to senior management when additional SKUs are added.
  • Establishes development parameters and independently manages SKUs for assigned accounts.
• Cost Analysis
  • Develops an understanding of technical manufacturing procedures as well as customer needs in order to facilitate the execution of a profitable product.
  • Meets brand management and corporate margin goals.
  • Identifies cost saving opportunities.
• Manages team to ensure merchandising accuracy in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) for assigned areas.

Qualifications
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent attention to detail, time management skills and meeting deadlines
• Positive attitude and ability to handle highly confidential information
• Ability to reflect positive attitude and disciplined work ethic
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to work independently
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated experience in being a self-starter
• Ability to deal with internal/external customers with enthusiasm and professionalism
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills are essential
• Must possess confidence, good judgment, energy and the right personality to work in a challenging environment

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree, highly preferred.
• Minimum of five years' experience in merchandise management or marketing.
• Strong computer skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Creative and strategic thinker.
• Serve as a compelling brand advocate.
• Proven experience and ability to build brands.
• Ability to develop and coach team members and recognize high potentials as future leaders.
• Self-starter with proven experience in delivering results to an organization.
• Proven management and leadership ability.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with all levels of the organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
*The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills
required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer at any time with or without notice.
AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without race, color, gender (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected characteristics. *