Retail Merchandising Manager

GENERAL ROLE

The Retail Merchandising Manager will be responsible for the strategic definition and coordination of the product assortment across the Benelux- Nordics subsidiary (7 stores in 5 countries), contributing to the achievement of the sales budget and the growth of turnover.
The Retail Merchandising Manager will be in charge of a team of 2 Retail Merchandisers, each focused on a specific group of métiers (Soft -Hard Luxury). The Retail Merchandising Manager will have the responsibility of the Fashion métiers.
The Retail Merchandising Manager will act as a key point of reference for internal stakeholders and central teams in Paris.
The position is based at Brussels HQ and requires occasional travel to Paris and across the region.    
 

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

Contribute to budget achievement and be Métier and market expert

• Monitor sales target (budget) across Métiers while managing ST and MOS objectives with close collaboration to store teams;
• Produce reliable and regular reporting both quantitative and qualitative on activity by Métier and by store. Share the appropriate level of information with the subsidiary and store teams, the European RM team.
• Implement action plans in collaboration with Retail, Training and Retail Planning to adjust the purchasing strategy accordingly;
• Connect to store teams to better understand trends and adapt the product strategy accordingly;
• Analyze competitors’ trends and price positioning.

Manage Buyings & Optimize assortment & inventory

• Collaborate with Retail Planning Manager on the OTB preparation: share key strategic information, key opportunities of each Métier in line with the overall filiale strategy, 
• Prepare buying sessions and propose a strategy for each Métier ahead of Previews / Podiums, aligned with the needs of the different stores in close collaboration with store managers;
• Support the stores in their freedom of buying to ensure a unique but coherent offer to enhance the store identities;
• Propose an assortment and sizing of the offer that meets the objectives in terms of width and depth. Ensure to develop the novelties while protecting our best sellers;
• Collaborate with Retail Supply Planner defining the assortment of permanents items, propose adjustments based on performance and store input about client profile;
• Collaborate with the Retail Planning department on stock optimization, rebalancing and reorders opportunities;
   

Ensure proper execution and animation of the product strategy

• Ensure the successful launch of collections and new arrivals in collaboration with Retail Supply Planning, VM, Store and Training teams;
• Develop a deep understanding of each store and contribute to the definition of the 360-animation plan with the Retail;
• Establish regular routines with stores to monitor performance and adjust strategy based on their specific needs;
• Develop, nurture and animate the Fashion métiers partners to achieve sales and ST targets
• Build a strong connection with VM to prepare store buying and translate the product strategy into actionable VM plans support sales and sell through objectives 
• Work close to Retail Client Experience and Métier  to prepare curated product offer for commercial animations and client events.

Build strong connections with the Subsidiary, Store management, Europe, & Métiers teams

• Collaborate closely with the Retail Planning, Retail Supply Planning Visual Merchandising teams, as well as with Retail, Communication and Finance departments
• Communicate and ensure that the subsidiary’s vision, buying strategy, and priorities for the development of each Métier and the entity are clear and well understood by all stakeholders;
• Be an active member of the community of Merchandising managers in Europe;
• Build partnerships with Europe, Métiers and other subsidiaries by setting up regular sharing points on subsidiary updates;
• Partner with the Métiers to implement their strategy locally. Be the key link between the stores and the Métiers: share feedback and key information and needs for specific subsidiary events

Manage and develop the team of Retail Merchandisers and nurture links with Retail Planning & Supply and VM

• Nurture and develop talent within your retail merchandising team.
• Motivate your team by recognizing individual achievements and collective contributions;
• Create a positive sense of team spirit, encouraging engagement and open communication;
• Conduct regular feedback sessions, identify training needs, and lead annual performance reviews;
• Nurture close collaboration with Retail Planning & Supply and VM manager to ensure a strong collaboration and a 360° approach to the business.

PROFILE

• Proven experience in retail merchandising, 
• People management experience;
• Master’s degree preferably with economic/analytic/fashion and management focus;
• Results-oriented, strategic, and deeply familiar with retail dynamics;
• Sensitivity to fashion and product trends;
• Ability to manage multiple métiers and adapt to diverse markets needs;
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills with ability to monitor and interpret performance indicators;
• Detailed in their analyses but synthetic and action-focused when sharing with others 
• Strong leadership and influencing skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Capacity to influence while being structured and pedagogic;
• Ability to assert ideas and take initiative;
• Ability to define and execute product strategies aligned with business goals and market opportunities;

Hermès engages positive and passionate people who own the following requirements:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer service orientation;
• Team player mentality to build meaningful relationships and ability to work autonomously;
• Availability, flexibility and dynamism to function in a high-pace environment;
• Determined to be part of a people centric retail project, for which is required vocation for human values, passion and a strong aesthetic sense.

In Hermès diversity of experience and  perspectives create a better work environment, we value, ensure and believe in gender equality, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. Join the human adventure of Hermès!