VF Corporation - Director, Global Lifestyle Merchandising (Dickies) - Stabio

Dickies EMEA is looking for an exceptional Director, Global Lifestyle Merchandising to join our Dickies team based in Stabio, Switzerland. This position leads the creation of Dickies global Work Inspired category strategies to meet multiyear growth objectives. In this role you will create seasonal global assortment strategies, product line management, and merch financial plans, inform definition of key growth areas, global core range and lifecycle management – wholesale and owned retail segments – to meet the needs of our retailers and consumers around the world.

Dickies has spent nearly a century crafting innovative workwear known for its performance, durability, and comfort. Since 1922, Dickies continues its long legacy of designing quality workwear and work-inspired apparel at a price anyone can afford. What began as a humble denim bib overall company has grown into a worldwide force, weaving together cultural movements with a rigorous commitment to straightforward style and long-lasting ingenuity. 

How You Will Make a Difference:

In this role, you will lead a team in driving the development and execution of the Work Inspired product category on a global scale.  This role will be critical in shaping the go forward product strategy, ensuring alignment with market trends, consumer needs, and business objectives.

• Strategic planning:  Lead development of consumer centric product strategies, product briefs, assortment ranges all while considering NORA/EMEA/APAC market trends, business performance, competitive landscape and consumer needs to drive growth in existing/new market segments.

• Market analysis:  Partner closely with regional merchandising teams to develop a strong understanding of the markets to identify opportunities and threats, utilizing insights to drive informed decision making

• Global coordination:  Coordinate with regional merchandising teams throughout the Global GTM process  to create a “global product line” which can be leveraged to reduce duplication and improve efficiency and impact.  Partner closely with regional teams to identify regional variations/local needs in market consistent with the global strategy, which are executed in region on the Regional GTM timeline

• Cross functional collaboration:  Collaborate closely with design, development, marketing, product supply, regional sales/merchandising teams to ensure strong communication and successful seasonal execution

• Portfolio optimization:  Continuously analyse the category and evaluate changes needed to improve efficiency, relevance, profitability and commercial viability

• Connectivity to Workwear Category:  Leverage Workwear and the innovation pipeline to extend global franchises into Work Inspired collections, with Workwear as a central message/DNA, fueling brand desire and providing a halo impact for the brand

• Drive profitability:  Direct global pricing and inform/approve product costing to achieve financial targets

• Global GTM leadership:  Drive execution of seasonal product creation in partnership with category design and PD teams and ensure on-time completion through Global GTM process

How you will partner with Regional Merchandising in NORA/EMEA/APAC:

The key differences between your role and Regional Merchandising lies in the areas of focus, scope of responsibility, and scale of impact within the brand.

• Scope of responsibility Global vs Region:  You will focus on the entire lifecycle of Work Inspired products on a global scale. Including strategic planning, creation, and coordinate with Regional Merch teams to ensure the assortment is aligned to the market need and brand vision.  Regional Merchandising will concentrate on a specific region and tailor product assortments and pricing to meet the unique by channel needs in that particular market.

• Strategic planning vs Execution:  You will manage the end to end lifecycle from concept to launch to eventual discontinuation, ensuring the product assortment is aligned to market and consumer trends.  Regional Merchandising focuses closely on aspects of products closer to or already in market, managing inventory levels, pricing strategies, partnership with visual merchandising, to drive sales execution in the region

• Global Coordination vs Localization:  You will coordinate across teams in NORA/APAC/EMEA to create a global line that is aligned to the needs in regions, ensuring consistency in product strategies and overall alignment.  Regional Merchandising will adapt the global strategy into the region and address regional/hyper local variations needed, executed in regional on the Regional GTM timeline

Skills for Success:

• Years of Related Professional Experience:  Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in brand management, merchandising, vertical retailing is preferred with at least 5 years of managerial experience Creative problem solver – thinks strategically, acts tactically – understand global/regional business requirements

• Strong planning and analytical skills delivering sustained results are required

• Proactive working style able to work independently as well as seamlessly across the organization.

• Strong PC skills – MS Office programs – primarily analytical and presentation programs

• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and time constraints

• Strong influence, verbal and written communication skills – promotes spirit of collaboration and teamwork.

• Educational/ Position Requirements:  Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing, Merchandising or related area preferred or equivalent work experience

Special Physical and/or Mental Requirements: 

• Domestic and international travel required 20%

• Ability to be flexible with extended work hours as necessary

• Ability to work in an open environment with product team and cross-functional partners

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical, and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package, You will enjoy:

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do

• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together

• Being part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi-brand, multi country organization

• On-site gym offering health and well-being initiatives, break out areas with complimentary drinks

• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity 

We strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!