Merch Strategies/ Planning and Implementation

1. Develop and execute AP/ Global market-specific merchandising strategy for all category with a retail first mentality and client centric approach.

• Develop and negotiate category assortments and forecasts with AP/ Global product merchandising team.
• Create, review, and evolve assortment plans by store based on local market needs. Build, evaluate and revise sales plans at category and collection level.
• Leverage products mix to maximize existing clients and recruit new clients, with support from AP/ Global Merch team
• Monitor, evaluate and improve Retail Merch KPIs defined by Global Merch team (OTB efficiency, Sell-thru % by core sku and marketing push items by collection, Carry-over sales mix % and stock on hand management etx). 
• Capitalize on growth trends and develop strategies and action plan to address underperforming collections and/or stores.
• Create comprehensive 360 action plans to drive new launches as well as larger category ambitions
• Identify new business opportunities through sales analysis, retail merch KPIs and competitive research.

 
Retail Excellence Partnership

• Build awareness, motivation and confidence around Testoni products and corresponding retail merchandising strategies.
• Develop and deploy both category/ product training as well as strategic selling speeches to ensure retail support by store by channel on monthly/ quarterly basis.
• Develop tools and communication plans to drive sales across both knowledge-based system as well as strategic initiatives.
• Regular store visits to gather feedback, support client events and constantly assess merchandising decisions as realized in retail environments.
• In partnership with AP/ Global teams, execute caravans, selling events and innovative concepts/animations to drive sales through enhanced client loyalty and recruitment.

 
Operation and Business Partnership

• Work closely with AP/ Global Merch team, to monitor the production delivery plan to maximize sell thru via regular meetings and communications.
• Provide quantitative reports and qualitative retail feedback to AP/ Global Merch team.
• Partner with Retail Head to develop product training to frontline sales team and trade partners; be a true partner to drive and improve retail management KPIs and sales target by store by channel.
• Partner with local and AP Marketing team to build and drive carry-over/ marketing push items; be a true partner for marketing activities at store level in line with the marketing strategy to achieve recruitment and retention target. 
• Partner with Finance team to evaluate the performance of sales by product category by store and by channel.

• At least 5-8 years of strong merchandising experience is must
• Experience in luxury, fashion industry is preferred
• Fluent written and spoken in English
• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook
• Passion for product/fashion trends
• Demonstrates high commercial instinct
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Strong analytical and retail maths skills
• Strong leadership and people management skills