Ecom Merchandise Planning Specialist at adidas Group

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

To execute the product planning strategies for adidas eCom store to optimize profits and meet financial and marketing objectives. Responsibilities include merchandising planning, range selection, OTB management, allocation and reporting in line with eCom Merchandise Strategy. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Responsible for pre and in-season product management across all merchandise categories ensuring stock is allocated efficiently and effectively in line with eCom merchandise strategy and to drive commercial growth.
• Continuous analysis of merchandise trends to ensure order book is managed to drive operations efficiencies and commercial opportunities.
• Execute seasonal range planning process and schedule and confirm seasonal buy plans in line with eCom merchandise strategy. 
• Work with the Customer Services support to ensure all product orders are captured and uploaded in line with cut off dates.
• Work closely with Customer Services support to execute pre-season planning (identify allocation opportunities / risks in order book) to ensure categories are managed and commercial opportunities maximized before season start.
• Take direction from eCom Merchandise Team Manager to ensure in-season product strategy is executed and maintained – category width, depth and price parity (good, better, best).
• Work closely with eCom Merchandise Buying Specialist and Customer Service support to define framework to identify top sellers, black hole (and other) product segments. 
• Evaluate adjustments to plans and allocations for performance trends and inventory levels and ensure corrective action is taken on slow sellers and opportunities seized with top sellers and replenishment.
• Execute in-season commercial trade opportunities in line with commercial needs / stock opportunities.
• Work closely with EM / local eCom teams on preparation of mark-downs/pricing as required and in line with eCom, market and/or DTC strategy.
• Execute framework to identify markdown and stock volume impact for any proposed commercial/other activations.
• Manage seasonal OTB planning and optimisation in line with eCom strategy and alongside DTC planning processes. Ensure this is in line with key business milestones and cut off dates. 
• Ensure clear product intro phasing strategy in line with overarching eCom and DTC merchandising strategy.
• Work with eCom HUB on OTB planning where needed/necessary.
• Work with eCom Buying and Customer Services support on OB alignment and monthly CNS process.
• Recommend and participate in all decisions that may impact on the merchandising functions regarding stores daily processes.

Key Relationships

• eCom Merchandise Buyer
• DTC
• eCom HUB Merchandise team
• Cluster and HUB CTC teams
• Brand, Omnichannel teams
• Supply Chain
• Finance/Demand Planning

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree or National Diploma.  
• 3+ years working experience within an eCom department of a medium-large size organization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Merchandise Planning
• Excellent Excel skills (to advanced Level)
• Ability to use MS Word, PowerPoint
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal.
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to interpret and manage large sets of data
• Ability to exercise good judgment and decision-making skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Ability to work under pressure