Senior Merchandiser

This is an excellent opportunity to partner with a recognised and global player within shoe production and sales. The role will allow you to establish lasting relationships within a dynamic, ambitious and global company. You will be a proactive and central player in a strong, multinational office.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES

ECCO aims to become the world's leading footwear brand, and as such has a focus on developing and presenting an industry leading product line to targeted consumers around the globe.

The Merchandiser will provide oversight, have deep expertise, and will support the product, brand and sales strategic initiatives of ECCO Middle East.

You will oversee, develop and execute the European product/buy plan (retail), recommend the Middle East Forecast, provide strategic and analytical support to regional planning, forecasting and allocation through all phases of the product life cycle (pre-season, in-season and end of season) for both O&O Retail (full price, online, outlet) and Wholesale distribution to ensure company financial objectives are achieved.

The Merchandiser will also manage and execute the analysis of sales trends, gross margin, inventory, and Open-to-Buy (OTB) levels.

Critical success in this role is that the Merchandiser is acting as and supporting the interface with the Middle East buying and demand team.

The role is based in Dubai and reports into the Merchandising Manager.

General Tasks And Responsibilities

• Develop the seasonal range and buying plans per distribution channel (Retail) per division, occasion, segment and product group, per sku based on historical data, trend analysis and market research in alignment with top-down range plans as established by Global Product Planning.

(Distribution - Retail)

Support the buying and demand team with the development and creation of the seasonal retail buying plan, including the OTB plan/ seasonal buy proposal/ price build up, store grading plan, Xdock planning, in-season repeat proposal, stock projections and markdown, margin plan for both full price stores, Ecom and outlets based on the budget.

Execution and maintenance of the buys, all product records, including product grids and price files according to the financial targets and European overview.

Stock Controlling

• Managing buying, allocating and planning in addition to monitoring, the development and execution of the inventory for all our distribution channels - full price, outlet and Ecom - related to the product assortment, store capacities, promotional strategy and seasonal and monthly product stories.
• Store inventory mix and make recommendations for capacity changes based on historical relationship of stock ownership.
• Full Price and Outlet sales in-season, by market and store to better align product and inventory plans with recent performance, ensuring monthly and seasonal product stories.
• Improve forecast accuracy, track deliveries, and in-season allocation strategies to maximize opportunities and mitigate risk.
• Manage seasonal, in-season/ end-of-season and distressed inventory by proactively recognizing future opportunities and challenges, recommending exit strategies while predicting the impact on gross margin.
• In alignment with the allocation team ensure new stores open with the correct assortment and appropriate inventory levels as determined by the new store plan and monitor store performance after opening.
• Work closely together with the Merchandising Manager and merchandising team on mapping, developing, updating and enhancing the planning processes, tools, analytics, reporting and systems to support the successful implementation of a consumer-centric merchandise model as it relates to product planning and (financial) forecasting.
• Build constructive and effective relationships with cross-functional partners in the European office and the regional office - buying, merchandising, demand, allocation, sales (retail and wholesale) and marketing - to define, develop and execute inventory, merchandising and operational strategies to drive revenue channel growth initiatives and improve store/stock efficiency and consumer experience.
• Work with and provide guidance to all stakeholders and act as a liaison, coordinating key-decisions to ensure alignment across key functions and tasks on product/merchandise, demand planning and financial planning, allocation, and replenishment.

What We Need From You Is

REQUIREMENTS

Experience

• 5-8 years of relevant experience.
• 5-8 years of business experience with different go-to-market models (Retail, Ecom) preferably within retail buying, planning, and allocation.
• Strong analytical and strategic product planning skills.
• Innovative mindset and commercial awareness with the ability to grow sales and deliver targets focusing on the consumer.
• Team player with influencing skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with and work across different functional areas.
• Solution driven and pro-active.
• Flexibility in order to respond effectively to changing business needs and decisions.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
• Experience working in an international and multicultural environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Office Skills (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Driver's License.

What Do We Offer

• An international, informal work environment in our brand new office in Dubai, Middle East.
• 2 free pairs of ECCO shoes per year.
• 50% discount on 10 pairs of ECCO shoes or ECCO accessories per year.
• Medical Insurance.

CREATE THE FOOTPRINTS OF TOMORROW

At ECCO, you become part of a meaningful, developing and multicultural workplace. You join a global family of more than 25,000 people who are proud to create the footprints of tomorrow.

Headquartered in Denmark, we are a family-owned company that offers international opportunities. Our offices and facilities have an informal culture and relaxed dress code. Join us and we guarantee lifelong learning; the speed of progress is up to you. So, if you're curious, passionate and ready to make an impact, you'll fit right in.