Summary: The Director of Merchandising will determine all products sold by the company and will be accountable to define category strategy and own the results.
They will also make sourcing and assortment decisions and drive category sales and profit growth through data driven decision-making and innovation.
The Director of Merchandising will use financial data, customer research, market data, and industry information to better meet the needs of our unique consumer and to optimize financial performance through regular monitoring and innovation.
As the Director of Merchandising, you will develop, formulate, and execute tactics within the context of the overall category strategy, including assortment planning, procurement, merchandising, retail pricing, advertising and promotion, as well as managing vendor relationships and supply agreements.
As a leader, you will manage and develop the Category Management and Marketing teams to achieve performance.
Accountabilities: Determine ranges and products sold by the Company.
Authorize the selling price.
Determine gross margin.
Seek and contract new exclusive distributorships.
Oversee the Marketing Department and Category Managers to ensure consistent commercial execution.
Understand the requirement of existing customers to ensure their needs are being met.
Be the subject matter expert for the Categories and build plans around category product, promotion and placement to drive financial performance.
Monitor performance of commercial activities using key metrics and prepare reports for senior management.
Make commercial recommendations to the board of directors.
Set and deliver the company plan alongside other directors, leading strategic commercial activities.
Assist in setting financial targets and budget.
Implement strategies to drive revenue and ultimately business growth.
Analyze opportunities for growth via acquisition and perform the necessary due diligence.
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to secure the most favorable terms, costs, product and quality of goods for the business and our customers.
Develop plans with measurable objectives that includes advertising, in-store specials and special buys.
Set the initial sales, gross profit, and inventory forecasts used in developing the final operating budget and develop plans to achieve annual budgets.
Work with Finance and Replenishment Buying to monitor and recommend pricing and stock levels that deliver on category performance.
Provide advice to Operations on Category opportunities.
Provide leadership and management of initiatives to the department's Category Managers and Marketing Manager.
Negotiate supplier trade funds and manage vendor allowances on an ongoing basis to enhance gross profit.
Other duties as requested or required by the Managing Director.
Desired Skills & Experience: Master's Degree or equivalent in Management, Finance or Business-related field.
Minimum 10 years' proven Retail or Wholesale experience in Procurement, Purchasing or Buying with specific knowledge and experience in Category Management.
Preferably has accreditation from the Chartered institute of Purchasing.
Experience leading and managing a small team is required.
Solid knowledge of performance reporting and financial/budgeting processes.
Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
Solid experience with MS Office Suite experience including above average knowledge of Excel.
Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical skills and financial analysis capabilities.
Ability to set priorities and manage priorities of the team.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to teach and monitor performance.
Excellent interpersonal and management skills with strong attention to detail.
Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities.
Operates at a senior board level.
Must be confident in negotiation skills.
Must be trustworthy with outstanding references.
Additional Information 8% Tax Bonus, Full Relocation Paid Pension Health At Wallace Myers International Recruitment Agency we specialise in sourcing professionals for key industries and services.
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For more info see Benefits: Bonus 8% tax Health