At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive global merchandising strategy and collaborate with teams for impactful product offerings.
- Company: Join PUMA, a leading brand committed to equality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-paced team that values creativity and strategic thinking.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail with a consumer-focused approach in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5-8 years in merchandising, preferably in fashion or sportswear.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your Mission
The Senior Manager Global Retail Category Planning drives the global merchandising strategy for a specific category across Direct-to-Consumer channels, ensuring a commercially strong, consumer-relevant, and differentiated product offer across Full Price Stores, Factory Outlets, and E-commerce. This role works closely with Global GTM and Regional Merchandising teams to shape DTC-specific assortment strategies, including retail exclusives, product lifecycle management, and strong alignment with retail marketing across all channels.
Global DTC Assortment Strategy
- Define assortment principles across E-commerce, Full Price Stores, and Factory Outlet channels.
- Build a clear and differentiated product strategy aligned with the overall brand direction.
- Develop assortment frameworks covering product flow, depth, breadth, and option count; article count across business units, gender, age groups, product groups, and franchises; price points and price tiers.
- Ensure the right balance between core, seasonal, and trend-driven products.
- Define seasonal launch and drop calendars to drive traffic, engagement, and productivity.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Global GTM, Product Merchandising, Planning, Marketing, and Retail Marketing teams.
- Embed DTC requirements early in the product creation process.
- Align merchandising strategies with retail execution across stores and online channels.
- Support compelling product presentations through strong storytelling and channel execution.
Regional Support & Alignment
- Provide frameworks, tools, and strategic guidance to regional merchandising teams.
- Support localization of assortments while maintaining global consistency.
- Enable clear channel segmentation and execution excellence across markets.
Performance & Insights
- Monitor key business metrics such as sell-through, margin, and inventory productivity.
- Identify opportunities and risks to improve future assortments and product flows.
- Provide insights to Global GTM and Product Creation teams.
Your Talent
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.
- 5–8+ years of experience in merchandising, preferably in sportswear or fashion retail.
- Strong experience in DTC / Retail merchandising (Full Price & Outlet exposure is a plus).
- Proven track record of driving commercial results.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Deep understanding of retail KPIs and merchandising levers.
- Consumer-centric mindset with strong commercial acumen.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, matrix organization.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.
Senior Manager Global Retail Category Planning in Coventry employer: PUMA SE
PUMA is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, PUMA offers numerous opportunities for professional development and career advancement, particularly in the vibrant setting of global retail merchandising. Join us to be part of a team that values collaboration, embraces diversity, and drives impactful results in the fast-paced world of sportswear.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager Global Retail Category Planning in Coventry
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like PUMA SE, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like PUMA SE!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager Global Retail Category Planning in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at PUMA SE, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at PUMA SE and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show PUMA SE that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at PUMA SE
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
