New Balance - Merchandiser DTC Apparel - Amsterdam

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

Bridge the gap between market trends and business objectives by developing a commercial assortment that resonates with the NB consumers to maximize brand visibility, sales and enhance profitability across our DTC channels.

JOB MISSION:

The Merchandiser (DTC Apparel) will be joining a fast paced team to bridge the gap between market trends and business objectives by developing a commercial assortment to improve brand visibility, sales and enhance profitability across our DTC channels.  We’re looking for an experienced Merchandiser to support with the Apparel category across our EMEA region.

This is a 6 month FTC with the potential to be extended or made permanent. We offer hybrid working and a flexibility to working hours to accommodate for a healthy work life balance. 

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Responsible for the inline apparel seasonal buying, omni-channel.  Forecast demand on SKU level, ensuring styles are covered in depth and width. Aligning buy volumes with sales trend and market demand.
• Curate and develop a well-balanced seasonal assortment that meets consumer needs and market trends, while establishing a healthy price structure and well-balanced silo mix, all while maintaining consistency with the brands strategy.
• Work closely with the regional apparel team, providing relevant in-season and pre-season feedback covering product performance, market trends and future opportunities.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports covering the channel performance, sharing valuable insight on GBU level, bestsellers, risk, and opportunities.
• Monitor inventory levels, sell-through rates, and make data driven decision to manage stock levels. Collaborate with cross functional teams to optimize sales performance. 
• Work closely with the Planning team ensuring the right amount of stock is available to meet consumer demand for peak seasons or promotional period.
• Weekly touch points with the allocation team and apparel planner to discuss GBU performance, and distribution of newness and replenishments.
• Responsible for key promotional activities throughout the season ensuring a strong liquidation of slow sellers.
• Manage the end of season sale product selection by working on margin and markdown budgets to ensure profitability during this key periods.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with the stakeholders such as planning, retail and digital marketing, marketplace, allocation, operations, and demand planning to ensure seamless execution of merchandising strategies.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging apparel trends and opportunities to influence future collections. Stay informed about competitors’ offerings, pricing, and promotional strategies to find opportunities and potential risks.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Several years of experience in similar role in merchandising/buying or product role.
• Passion for product and aware of the apparel trends.
• Clear understanding of retail KPI’s, marketing activations, and retail/digital landscape.
• Sound business and commercial foresight.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Teammate, strong communication skills with the ability to network and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

BENEFITS:

• Discount on the health insurance
• 8% holiday allowance
• Flexible Working Hours
• Pension Scheme
• 25 days Annual Leave per year
• Up to €250 travel allowance each month
• Hybrid working
• Employee Discount
• Work from-home allowance
• Home working equipment
• Onsite gym
• Sports subscription services
• Opportunity to work abroad for four weeks per year
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment.  We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.