- Own and execute the merchandising and buying strategy for the EMEA marketplace across Owned Retail, Wholesale, and Franchise.
- Translate global brand and product strategies into an EMEA commercial strategy reflecting regional customer needs and market dynamics.
- Establish seasonal and annual commercial objectives with EMEA leadership.
- Identify marketplace opportunities, product gaps, consumer trends, and commercial risks to maximize revenue, margin, and long-term growth.
- Own seasonal buying and assortment decisions across EMEA.
- Build localized assortments and determine category mix, breadth, depth, size curves, and inventory investment by market and channel.
- Partner with Planning on seasonal buys, forecasting, replenishment, inventory transfers, and inventory strategies.
- Monitor in-season performance and recommend assortment, inventory, replenishment, allocation, markdown, promotional, and exit actions.
- Develop differentiated merchandising strategies across Owned Retail, Wholesale, and Franchise.
- Lead merchandising and buying strategy for expansion into new EMEA markets, including localized launch assortments, inventory, pricing, and launch plans.
- Represent EMEA customer and marketplace needs in global merchandising and product conversations.
- Provide regional insights influencing product development, assortment architecture, size strategies, and launch priorities.
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing EMEA merchandising and buying organization.
- Establish accountability, decision-making frameworks, scalable processes, tools, and operating rhythms.
- Coach and mentor the team, develop succession, and champion operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Report to Dawn Vitale.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Fashion, Retail Management, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in Merchandising, Buying, or Commercial leadership within premium fashion or lifestyle brands.
- Significant experience operating across multiple international markets, preferably within EMEA.
- Proven experience supporting Retail, Wholesale, and Franchise business models.
- Strong understanding of regional consumer behavior, assortment localization, and international merchandising strategies.
- Demonstrated success driving commercial growth across omnichannel environments.
- Advanced analytical skills with expertise in assortment planning, inventory management, forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Experience working closely with global headquarters while representing regional business needs.
- Strong executive presence with exceptional communication and influencing skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and merchandising/planning systems such as Anaplan, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar platforms.
- Deep understanding of the EMEA retail landscape and evolving consumer trends.
- Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders across multiple regions and time zones.
- Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and energized by a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
- Customer-obsessed and passionate about delivering exceptional product experiences.
- Hands-on leadership across strategic and operational work.
Core Competencies
Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing merchandising and buying strategies tailored to the EMEA marketplace, with a strong focus on assortment planning, inventory management, and commercial growth across multiple channels. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams while influencing cross-functional stakeholders and adapting to evolving consumer trends.
Highest-signal resume keywords
- Merchandising Strategy Development
- Assortment Planning
- Inventory Management
- Commercial Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Hard Skills
- Assortment Planning
- Inventory Management
- Financial Analysis
- Forecasting
- Commercial Growth
- Market Analysis
- Consumer Behavior Understanding
- Buying Strategy
- Localization Strategy
- Omnichannel Strategy
Soft Skills
- Exceptional Communication
- Influencing Skills
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Adaptability
- Entrepreneurial Mindset
Industry Keywords
- EMEA Marketplace
- Retail
- Wholesale
- Franchise
- Premium Fashion
- Lifestyle Brands
- Consumer Trends
- Operational Excellence
- High-Growth Environment
- Strategic Leadership
Tools & Technologies
- Excel
- Anaplan
- SAP
- Oracle
- NetSuite
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Senior Director of Merchandising and Buying in London employer: Jobtailor
As a Client Services Coordinator at our dynamic company, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer comprehensive training, opportunities for advancement, and a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a healthy work-life balance and the chance to engage with diverse clients, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
