Senior Manager Category Management Lifestyle - EM South at adidas Group

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organisation:

• The purpose of the Category Management team is to develop product ranges by category to best meet the needs of the local consumers, profitably. 

For this role specifically:

• Deliver a globally aligned and locally relevant product range for the entire Lifestyle category (Originals 50% SOB/ Sportswear 25% SOB) in EMS, focused on delivering the company sales growth aspirations per sales channel  
• Sustainably grow profitability and market share for the Lifestyle Category (Originals + Sportswear)
• Manage the seasonal go-to-market (GTM) process for Lifestyle to build the optimal product offering, considering the local consumer and channel requirements.
• Be the product expert and provide the relevant support for all Marketing Brand Activation plans

Key Responsibilities:  

• Work closely with the CTC Director to develop and define the Lifestyle product strategy (including lifecycle management for all lifestyle key franchises) for the local market at a channel level (Sportswear addition expands scope to commercial distribution)
• Develop a product range that seamlessly merges Originals and Sportswear delivering a Footwear, Apparel and Accessories offer that is carefully segmented by channel/account and meets of the customer/consumer
• Work with direct reports (increase from 2x M4 and 1xP1 to 4xM4 and 1xP1) to deliver a compelling range/concept selection for EM South by balancing local consumer, global brand and commercial considerations and supporting the overall business strategy of the channels.
• Lead Go to Market (GTM) process to engage channels and customers and collaboratively build the strongest viable product mix (commercial distribution now included)
• Deliver net sales and profitability (GIM) by managing pricing, margin, and the product mix across Lifestyle (articles managed doubles)
• Ownership of product demand forecasting which most accurately reflects the customer and consumer demand in the market  
• Seasonal analysis of marketplace to understand trends, competitor product assortments and pricing. 
• Proactively drive cluster range enhancements (including product development) that meet local needs and reflect differentiation in marketplace where required. Work closely with the Lifestyle Hub team (Originals + Sportswear) and Local Sourcing to deliver these.
• Own the range architecture for Lifestyle category including range guidance, brand focus and local pricing requirements. 
• Monitor and maintain the accuracy of product data available to the business via the pricing matrix. 
• Conduct monthly analysis of sell-through performance, sell out, of the relevant categories and make adjustments to the range where necessary.
• Support seasonal Brand Activations by aligning with BA/Omni team on Marketing plans; communication tools; activation tools; and by providing sports marketing support to ensure our partners get access to the best of adidas.
• Lead, coach and develop direct reports

Key Relationships:

• Director CTC & Mops EM South 
• EMS Cluster Category Management Team.
• Cluster Demand Planning team
• EMS commercial channel Teams (DTC, Ecom, WHS)
• EM BU’s

KPIs: 

• Net Sales and GIM%
• Range efficiency targets; range size and efficiency (incl. overlap)
• Market Sales vs Plan

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Marketing, merchandising, category management/planning, assortment planning and/or retail experience, with a distinct track record of success
• Exposure to other disciplines preferable, e.g. brand communication, retail or sales experience
• Strong presentation/communications and influencing skills
• Strong numerical / analytical skills 
• Intermediate to advanced skills in MS Office – Excel and PowerPoint key 
• Structured, organized and process orientated 
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment under pressure 
• Industry: Preferably in retail/apparel/ FMCG 
• Exposure: Retail / FMCG / Fashion 

Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications: 

• University degree in Marketing/Business
• 10+ years equivalent professional experience in Category Management/Merchandising 
• People Leadership experience for a minimum of 3 years
• Fluent in English