Senior Footwear Merchandising Manager, DTC (12 month fixed term) in Warrington

Who We Are: Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION: To lead the channel merchandising footwear team in delivery of a seasonally relevant assortment that balances commercial and brand priorities for the season, whilst acting as the voice for DTC within the region and at global milestones. This is a 12-month fixed term contract position.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Be the integral link between EMEA channel merchandising and the DTC commercial teams to ensure that key seasonal brand stories are supported accordingly.
• Define the EMEA footwear DTC assortment across ecom, full price, outlet and marketplace for all performance + FOP categories.
• Deliver business targets (volume, revenue and style efficiency) for all Direct to Consumer channels across EMEA.
• Drive the seasonal planning process from a “bottoms up perspective” – ensuring that plans align to both short- and long-term sales and merchandising objectives.
• Drive the EMEA segmentation strategy across DTC channels.
• Ensure visibility and understanding of all DTC plans regionally.
• Manage seasonal reviews with commercial and marketing teams against clearly defined KPI’s throughout the GTM process.
• Manage seasonal debriefs with EMEA GBU Merch teams with clear KPI’s.
• Manage GTM process and account facing meetings with Merchandising.
• Define channel specific DAs throughout the GTM milestones.
• Be the regional voice of DTC merchandising at key Global merchandising milestones.
• Develop DTC range plan needs at a SKU level.
• Work closely with regional counterparts to drive commonality and maximise efficiency of both in-line and exclusive proposals.
• Drive DTC needs and understanding across the EMEA GBU Merchandising team to ensure that DTC are front and centre of the range planning process.
• Drive consistency and timing of DTC needs for input into the key Merchandising milestones.
• Establish relationships with markets and keep in regular communication with them to ensure all product queries, requirements and feedback are dealt with efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines to meet all merchandising milestones.
• Travel to domestic and international markets to conduct market, trend, competitor and consumer research and gain product feedback. (Could include weekends/ unsociable hours)
• Manage direct reports in a way that empowers individuals to deliver their best work. Ensuring best in class execution throughout the GTM process.
• Develop direct reports through relevant performance-focused milestones.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Relevant experience in either a merchandising/buying or product management role.
• European mindset.
• Passionate about product.
• Knowledgeable about global consumer trends and key brands/retailers.
• Presentation skills; confident presenting in front of large audiences.
• Product briefing; effectively communicate the consumer, design and financials requirements.
• Global mindset; managing relations across different cultural nuances within EMEA and beyond.
• Analytical/numerical skills; proficient with key financial and merchandising metrics.
• Experience of project management; within a complex creation and go to market calendar.
• Team player.
• High level organisational skills.
• Willing and able to travel internationally frequently.

BENEFITS:

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Dental Scheme.
• Pension Scheme.
• Flexible Working Hours.
• Hybrid working (3 days on-site).
• 25 days Annual Leave per year.
• Life Insurance.
• On Site Gym.
• Employee Discount.
• Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each year.
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support).

Equal Opportunity Employer: New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion. If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.