Senior Manager Category Management Lifestyle - EM South
Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organisation:
The purpose of the Category Management team is to develop product ranges by category to best meet the needs of the local consumers, profitably.
For this role specifically:
Deliver a globally aligned and locally relevant product range for the entire Lifestyle category (Originals 50% SOB/ Sportswear 25% SOB) in EMS, focused on delivering the company sales growth aspirations per sales channel
Sustainably grow profitability and market share for the Lifestyle Category (Originals + Sportswear)
Manage the seasonal go-to-market (GTM) process for Lifestyle to build the optimal product offering, considering the local consumer and channel requirements.
Be the product expert and provide the relevant support for all Marketing Brand Activation plans
Key Responsibilities:
•Work closely with the CTC Director to develop and define the Lifestyle product strategy (including lifecycle management for all lifestyle key franchises) for the local market at a channel level (Sportswear addition expands scope to commercial distribution)
•Develop a product range that seamlessly merges Originals and Sportswear delivering a Footwear, Apparel and Accessories offer that is carefully segmented by channel/account and meets of the customer/consumer
•Work with direct reports (increase from 2x M4 and 1xP1 to 4xM4 and 1xP1) to deliver a compelling range/concept selection for EM South by balancing local consumer, global brand and commercial considerations and supporting the overall business strategy of the channels.
•Lead Go to Market (GTM) process to engage channels and customers and collaboratively build the strongest viable product mix (commercial distribution now included)
•Deliver net sales and profitability (GIM) by managing pricing, margin, and the product mix across Lifestyle (articles managed doubles)
•Ownership of product demand forecasting which most accurately reflects the customer and consumer demand in the market
•Seasonal analysis of marketplace to understand trends, competitor product assortments and pricing.
•Proactively drive cluster range enhancements (including product development) that meet local needs and reflect differentiation in marketplace where required. Work closely with the Lifestyle Hub team (Originals + Sportswear) and Local Sourcing to deliver these.
•Own the range architecture for Lifestyle category including range guidance, brand focus and local pricing requirements.
•Monitor and maintain the accuracy of product data available to the business via the pricing matrix.
•Conduct monthly analysis of sell-through performance, sell out, of the relevant categories and make adjustments to the range where necessary.
•Support seasonal Brand Activations by aligning with BA/Omni team on Marketing plans; communication tools; activation tools; and by providing sports marketing support to ensure our partners get access to the best of adidas.
•Lead, coach and develop direct reports
Key Relationships:
•Director CTC & Mops EM South
•EMS Cluster Category Management Team.
•Cluster Demand Planning team
•EMS commercial channel Teams (DTC, Ecom, WHS)
•EM BU’s
KPIs:
•Net Sales and GIM%
•Range efficiency targets; range size and efficiency (incl. overlap)
•Market Sales vs Plan
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
•Marketing, merchandising, category management/planning, assortment planning and/or retail experience, with a distinct track record of success
•Exposure to other disciplines preferable, e.g. brand communication, retail or sales experience
•Strong presentation/communications and influencing skills
•Strong numerical / analytical skills
•Intermediate to advanced skills in MS Office – Excel and PowerPoint key
•Structured, organized and process orientated
•Ability to work effectively within a team environment under pressure
•Industry: Preferably in retail/apparel/ FMCG
•Exposure: Retail / FMCG / Fashion
Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:
•University degree in Marketing/Business
•10+ years equivalent professional experience in Category Management/Merchandising
•People Leadership experience for a minimum of 3 years
•Fluent in English