About the Company
Our client is a global apparel and lifestyle retail group with a significant footprint across major international markets, renowned for its strong portfolio of fast-fashion and lifestyle brands. They operate a highly effective and centralized business model, offering dynamic career growth opportunities and a chance to impact large-scale retail operations.
About the Team
You will lead a specialized and integrated Merchandising and Product Planning team of 15+ employees. This team is the commercial engine of the brand, responsible for translating creative concepts into viable, profitable commercial plans. The team's scope encompasses the entire product lifecycle, from initial collection planning through to in-season allocation and terminal stock management. You will be expected to mentor and develop this large team, fostering a data-driven and commercially astute culture.
About the Job
As the Merchandising Director, you will report directly to the General Manager and hold full ownership of the brand's Merchandise Strategy and Inventory Management across the market.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning & Buying (Merchandising & Planning): Develop and drive the seasonal and annual merchandise strategy, including category mix, pricing architecture, and depth/breadth of assortment, ensuring alignment with brand vision and commercial targets.
- Inventory Optimization (Assortment, Allocation & Replenishment): Oversee the entire inventory flow, including initial buy quantity planning, effective product allocation to stores/channels, and strategic in-season replenishment and stock consolidation to maximize sell-through and minimize markdown risk.
- Commercial Performance: Take accountability for key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Open-to-Buy (OTB), Gross Margin, Sell-Through Rate (STR), and stock turns.
- Leadership & Development: Provide strategic direction and daily operational oversight to the 15+ person Merchandising and Planning team, ensuring high performance and strong talent development.
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate closely with Design, Retail Operations, Marketing, and Visual Merchandising teams to ensure a cohesive commercial strategy from product creation to customer experience.
Skills and Experience Required
- Core Experience: Minimum of 8 years of progressive, hands-on experience in Merchandise Planning, Buying, or Assortment Management, specifically within the retail apparel sector.
- Leadership Track Record: Proven experience leading and managing a sizable team (15+ direct and indirect reports) for a minimum of 3 years.
- Reporting Structure: Demonstrated ability to successfully report to and collaborate with General Management/C-level executives.
- Category Preference (Highly Desirable): Prior merchandising experience in Women’s Apparel (Womenswear), Sportswear, Outdoor Apparel, or Casual/Lifestyle Brands is a strong advantage.
- Education & Language:
- Bachelor’s degree is required.
- Fluent English proficiency (written and verbal) is mandatory, as it is the primary working language for communication with international teams.
- Key Traits: Highly analytical, commercially driven, comfortable with large data sets, and possessing exceptional negotiation and communication skills.
Consultant Contact Information
WeChat ID: ginasun0109
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