Director of Merchandising - Wholesale, EMEA

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Company Description

Job Description

A&F Co. is seeking a skilled Director of Merchandising to lead the team and develop the strategies to position us for growth in 3rd party channels in the region.

As Director of Merchandising across our brands (A&F and Hollister) your team's focus will be making the link between target consumers and product assortments for each partner across our brand portfolio. You will work closely with the account management team & our commercial partners for external perspective as well as with our internal product teams to ensure cohesive brand expression across all channels. Setting the agenda for growth will be a combination of identifying white space, as well as enhancing where we have momentum.

This job is located at our EMEA Regional Home Office in London, UK

What Will You Be Doing?

• Develop and implement a merchandising strategy for wholesale channel that supports brand expansion in the EMEA region
• Partner closely with VP, EMEA - Global Brands to develop cohesive regional strategy and drive significant sales growth
• Develop strong partnerships with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between merchandise plans and supply chain capabilities, financial plans, marketing investments and merchandising strategies
• Build wholesale buying team and establish clear communication and best working practices
• Maximize financial success of wholesale channel by hitting sales and gross margin plans (dollars and rate)
• Analyze sales trends, global market trends, and customer data to inform strategic planning/merch decisions
• Closely track fashion trends and market shifts to build optimal product assortments
• Develop and retain talent by frequently communicating with team members about career path, growth opportunities, and give constructive feedback
• Work closely with O+O buying / planning directors, and 3P Planning director to ensure the 3rd party assortment is selective, SKU productive, and focused on the accounts requests to deliver growth
• Collaborate with Accounts Director to build and execute appropriate channel strategy
• Using your team, manage the change communication and chase opportunities with the Accounts director to help manage account expectations, & maximize sales
• Travel across region to have a pulse on the market and connection with our partners.

What Do You Need To Bring?

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in merchandise planning or related field, with a desire to execute strategies
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships across cross-functional teams
• Strong leadership skills. Comfortability leading change
• Long-term strategic thinking skills
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform decisions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerBI experience and retail math and financial analysis
• Excellent statistical/quantitative analysis skills
• Ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and customer types/levels
• Curiosity and interest to learn about customer profiles differ across global markets and cultures
• Strong financial story telling ability, and desire to speak to larger audiences is needed
• Excellent communication, prioritizing and problem-solving skills are a must
• Ability to work in an environment with high level of change as the business grows
• High level of flexibility, curiosity and willingness to learn is required
• Experience working in an iconic, branded environment for an international organization

Our Company

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global, digitally-led, omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

Our Values

Our corporate purpose of being here for you on the journey to being and becoming who you are, fuels our customer-led brands and our global associates. We lead with this purpose and always put our people first, which is evidenced by our Great Place to Work™ Certification, as well as being named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign. In addition to equitable compensation and benefit offerings, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, we offer a range of educational and engagement opportunities, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.

What You'll Get

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you'll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company's culture and values, but most importantly - with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:

• Incentive Bonus Program
• Paid Time Off and Work From Anywhere Flexibility
• Paid Volunteer Day per Year, allowing you to give back to your community
• Merchandise Discount
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Available
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Associate Assistance Program
• Paid Parental and Adoption Leave
• Access to Carrot to support your unique parenthood journey
• Access to Headspace dedicated to creating healthier, happier lives from the inside out
• Opportunities for Career Advancement, we believe in promoting from within
• A Global Team of People Who'll Celebrate you for Being YOU

Job Description

Qualifications

Additional Information

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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