Manager Merchandising DTC Lifestyle - EM South at adidas Group

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

• The Manager: Buying is responsible for developing and executing consumer-centric product assortments that drive sales growth, profitability, and brand relevance across adidas Concept Stores. Through the effective use of sales performance data, consumer insights, trend analysis, and market intelligence.
• This position plays a critical role in shaping the commercial success of the Concept Store channel by delivering compelling assortments, optimizing inventory productivity, driving sell-through, and leading the execution of key brand campaigns and seasonal moments.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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. 
• Ownership of product demand forecasting, which most accurately reflects the consumer demand in the market.
• Proactively drive cluster range enhancements that reflect differentiation in marketplace where required.
• Advocate for DTC needs in GTM process to ensure the strategy and product assortment is relevant for the concept store consumer.
• Responsible for effective storytelling and monthly phasing of product.
• Ensure visual appeal working alongside VM executing brand campaigns and key moments.   
• Manage buying process to ensure option count and right volumes are bought following market OTB and category plans.  
• Lead and manage planning and execution of key campaigns and seasonal promotions.
• Reviewing sales and stock to ensure all in-season activity is focused upon delivering planned sales, margin and stock objectives. Manage NOOS and key product lines availability alongside Planning Team.
• Contribute to the improvement in allocation and replenishment techniques.
• Preparation of mark-downs as required within given framework and in line with market and global strategy.
• Regular analysis of overall market and competitor activity and pricing strategy.
• Weekly monitoring of KPIs and distribution of key merchandise reports that help evaluate business goals and drives decision making.
• Manage the city tee program end to end.
• Manage additional items related to category that drives UPT.
• Review and action fact-based category input and feedback for stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with marketing, category team and store operations and above market functions.

Key Relationships:

• Cluster CTC
• EM Merchandising
• Cluster Marketing
• Supply chain

Retail team

• Retail back office
• Operations
• Store managers

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Relevant job experience in a buying function
• Strong competence with buying procedures and systems
• Strong analytical ability and Influencing skills
• Structured, organized and process orientated
• Attention to detail as this has curtail impact on the business
• Ability to work within a team and high-pressure environment
• Broad and deep theoretical understanding of buying principles
• Advanced Excel

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in Merchandising, Buying, Category Management, or a related retail commercial function.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Experience within fashion, sportswear, apparel, footwear, or retail environments preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering sales growth, profitability, and inventory productivity.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.