New Balance - General Merchandising Manager, Apparel EMEA - Warrington

JOB MISSION: 

The General Merchandising Manager for EMEA Apparel will be responsible for delivering against the Merchandising North Star metrics, global strategic direction, and regional sales and gross margin targets consistent with key brand initiatives and financial expectations.  This role will be pivotal in driving the GTM process and execution, in collaboration with the Global Business Units, Sales, and Brand/Channel Marketing teams.  

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• Define the regional apparel merchandising direction aligned to the global merchandising north star metrics. 

• Deliver an apparel product assortment aligned to the regional Long Range Plan (LRP). 

• Drive a “DTC first” mentality throughout the team aligned to the regional growth targets. 

• Champion the apparel vision and mission for the region and communicate it externally and internally. 

• Set out a clear regional merchandising strategy to define the apparel growth plans via fully segmented range offerings at an account and channel level. 

• Drive channel product segmentation.   

• Drive style & SKU efficiency and eliminate product redundancy, adopting a Fewer, Bigger, Better mentality. 

• Lead the team to achieve key seasonal merchandising metrics – style count, efficiency levels, commonality, margin, profitability, revenue and volumes. 

• Implement data driven decision making with a particular focus on sell-through, pricing analytics and market share. 

• Deliver against all seasonal GTM milestones – Commercial input GTM 1/2/3. 

• Define clear team and individual goals aligned to global merchandising north star. 

• Develop and build relationships with KA contacts across all categories. 

• Coach, mentor, guide and develop team members and create an environment of mutual respect where associates are engaged and encouraged to attain maximum performance.  

• Support the team culture with a European and 1 NB mindset. 

• Ensure that the EMEA voice is heard and respected within the global organization – building relationships and managing business needs. 

• Deliver monthly footwear reporting against seasonal metrics. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS: 

• Extensive direct apparel experience in either a merchandising/buying, or product management role.  

• Pan European approach.  

• Credible knowledge of EMEA consumer trends and market dynamics.  

• Strong analytical skills.  

• Open communication and good listening skills, with a strong ability to influence.  

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a cross functional environment.  

• A great teammate.  

• Ability to convincingly present and inspire.   

• High level organisational and time management skills. 

• Efficient computer skills including advanced Excel, Microsoft tools, and experience with merchandising tools.  

BENEFITS: 

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity 

• Private Medical Insurance 

• Dental Scheme 

• Pension Scheme 

• Flexible Working Hours (07:00 – 10:00 start, 15:00 -18:00 finish) 

• Hybrid working (3 days on-site) 

• 25 days Annual Leave per year 

• Life Insurance 

• On Site Gym 

• Employee Discount 

• Flexibility to Work from Anywhere for four weeks per year 

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)