Assistant Vice President, Merchandising and Assortment-RET004666

About this role

• Develop and implement merchandising strategies aligned with company goals, market trends, and customer preferences.
• Oversee the selection and sourcing of products, ensuring they meet quality standards, brand image, and customer demands.
• Space Planning: Collaborate with the design team to create effective floor plans and layouts that align with the store's branding and objectives .
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior to refine the product assortment, including brand diversity, category mix, styles, and sizes.
• Determine pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability, considering factors like cost, competition, and customer perception .
• Lead efforts to design visually appealing product displays and store layouts, maximizing customer engagement and sales opportunities.
• Manage and mentor a team of merchandising professionals, providing guidance, setting performance goals, and ensuring effective collaboration.
• Work closely with other departments such as sales, marketing, and supply chain to align merchandising efforts with broader business objectives .
• Conduct thorough market research, stay updated on industry trends, and monitor competitor activities to make informed merchandising decisions.
• Gather and analyze customer feedback and behavior data to make data-driven decisions about product offerings.
• Monitor inventory levels, ensuring appropriate stock levels and minimizing excess or obsolete inventory.
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, negotiating terms, and ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement.
• Track and analyze sales performance, margins, and other relevant financial metrics to optimize merchandising strategies and drive profitability.
• Ensure products meet regulatory standards and quality requirements, collaborating with relevant departments to address any issues.
• Provide regular reports and analysis on merchandising performance, making recommendations for improvements and adjustments as needed.
  
  

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Merchandising, Retail Management, or a related field is required . Advanced degrees like an MBA will be preferred.
  
  

• Relevant years of progressive experience in merchandising, assortment planning, and retail management, with relevant years in a leadership role.
• A proven track record of leading and managing teams within the merchandising and assortment function. This includes setting strategic direction, overseeing execution, and driving results.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing merchandising strategies aligned with overall business objectives . This involves understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics.
• Demonstrated expertise in curating product assortments, considering factors like market trends, customer preferences, and sales data. This experience includes brand diversity, category mix, styles, and sizes.
• Proficiency in managing budgets, optimizing margins, and making data-driven decisions to drive profitability within the context of merchandising.
• Experience in negotiating with vendors, establishing relationships, and effectively managing the procurement process to optimize product selection. This may also involve evaluating vendor performance and compliance. .
  
  

• A bility to think strategically in developing and executing long-term merchandising strategies aligned with the overall business objectives includ ing understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to make informed decisions.
• Strong leadership skills for guiding and managing a team , setting clear performance goals, providing mentorship, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis for interpreting complex sales data, trend analysis, and customer behavior insights.
• S olid understanding of financial metrics, budgeting, and profitability analysis in the context of merchandising. This includes managing budgets, optimizing margins, and driving profitability.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for articulating and presenting merchandising strategies to stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
  
  

• Proficiency in specialized merchandising software and platforms used for assortment planning, product lifecycle management, and inventory optimization.
• Experience with platforms like Tableau, Microsoft Power BI , or similar software for in-depth data analysis, trend identification, and informed decision-making.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) used for managing business processes including procurement, inventory management, and financials.
• Strong proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting, as well as proficiency in Word and PowerPoint for communication and presentations.
• Ability to leverage CRM platforms to understand customer behavior, preferences, and feedback to inform assortment planning.