Manager Merchandise Planning eCom at adidas Group

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organisation

• As the Manager Merchandise Planning eCom, you will build and execute the eCom merchandise Planning, Trading and Allocation strategy for EM South; acting as a key merchandising expert and point of contact for the South African eCom business.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and drive the eCom Merchandise planning vision, creating pre and in-season strategy’s aligned to seasonal and yearly financial targets and global guidelines.
• Management inventory position including driving the overall inventory management strategy (RA’s, phasing, replen) and execution with key stakeholders in the business.
• Strategize seasonal Buys working alongside eCom Buying Manager and eCom Merchandise Trading Specialist.
• Work with eCom Merchandise Planning Specialist to drive and execute seasonal OTB Planning & Management.
• Participate in major go-to-market milestones to gain insight to key seasonal brand and BU strategies and initiatives, ensuring they are included in the eCom outlook.
• Along with eCom Buying Manager, present the buy check for sign-off by eCom leads.
• Based on the agreed OTB and the assortment plan, ensure Seasonal Buys are captured by Planning and Trading team in line with key milestones.
• Define and implement best in class eCom KPI tracking mechanisms focused on optimization of the eCom experience and driving maximum Net Sales impact.
• Create planning and trading framework to ensure category, division and gender integrity throughout the year. Including in-season trading strategies of top sellers and slow movers.
• Markdown management and SM% optimization through strategic management of inventory portfolio. Including driving strategy and execution of key commercial moments including End of Season Sale, Black Friday and ad-hoc tactical promotional offers as needed by the business.
• Drive omni-channel approach ensuring collaboration and stock sharing opportunities with Concept store and Value Retail teams.
• Stakeholder management. Key point of contact for all eCom Merchandise related insights and queries.
• Work in collaboration with local and Emerging Market functional teams to optimize the consumer journey. (Digital Analytics, Digital Operations, CX, CTC & Brand teams)
• Manage and lead direct reports in line with expected team outputs and talent planning initiatives.

Key Relationships

• DTC Merchandise Team
• eCom HUB Merchandise Team
• EMS CTC
• EM HUB CTC
• Finance
• Supply Chain

BrandKnowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of retail and / or digital business with commercial mindset, ideally with knowledge of merchandising, financial planning, sales strategies, digital marketing, or online behaviour.
• Experienced in data analysis with strong skills in Microsoft Excel is required.
• Knowledge in Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, MicroStrategy or other tools is a plus.
• Understanding of brand building and online consumer perspective.
• Strong influencer and natural collaborator

Fluent in EnglishRequisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• University degree in business, ideally with a marketing and sales focus or equivalent professional experience
• Merchandising Experience: 5+ years
• eCommerce Experience: 2+ years
• Management Experience: 2+ years