MERCHANDISING MANAGER, READY TO WEAR

Position

CELINE is a fast-growing French and Leather-Goods Couture House that belongs to the LVMH Fashion group, which ambition is to become one of the most iconic luxury brands worldwide.

To make this vision a reality we are looking for enthusiastic, passionate and agile personalities who are eager to evolve in a demanding environment.

YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

As Merchandising Manager, Ready-to-Wear, you will be responsible to to achieve sales plan, hit sell-thru targets, and liaise with stores to maximize business. In this role you will. Participate in the execution and optimization of product assortments and inventory levels across various sales channels for both the Women’s Ready-to-Wear and Men’s Ready-To-Wear categories in North America.

Reporting into the Merchandising Director, RTW & Shoes, you will be responsible for generating a seasonal merchandise plan and assortment strategy to maximize opportunities and grow the business for the US retail network consisting of 36 stores and leased concessions in the North America market.

This role will be based out of the New York City corporate office with occasional travel.

Job responsibilities

BUYING

• Pre-buying
• Prepare all necessary sales reports by activity, line, colors, and boutique.
• Propose a purchasing plan by activity, line, mix, value, quantity, number of references, and depth based on the retail core offer and the sales history.
• Analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to make informed decisions on product selection, pricing, and inventory management.
• Monitor competitor activities to identify new opportunities for growth.
• Buying
• Proceed to complete the order process by SKU, review the orders with merchandising and marketing team, enter data in the system, and ensure completion of the orders according to the buying schedule.
• Develop and negotiate Open to Buy with Supply Chain and Central Merchandising team in Paris.
• Participate in 4 buying sessions in Paris annually - buying collection, inputting orders, and reviewing with the central team.
• Be the Ready-to-Wear expert, providing monthly qualitative, quantitative, and competitive reports and market needs for Management and Paris Product Team.

SALES ANALYSIS & PRODUCT MONITORING

• Follow up sales on a daily/weekly basis, liaise with the boutiques, and propose action plans if necessary: prepare weekly reports with comments on performances and identify growth opportunities.

• Work with the visual merchandiser in order to ensure proper display of the product based on the visual merchandising guidelines and the sales trend.

• Review delivery plan with SLC, control that the merchandise is replenished according to the stock level and the sales potential.

• Analyze competitors' offer and prices.

• Liaise with the training and the CRM manager to ensure that all the activities to promote the collections are implemented within the plan agreed with headquarters.

• Liaise with Business Planner and Finance to collaborate on sales plans, forecasts, and general Open-To-Buy.

• Evaluate and recommend store distribution; supervise product flow to stores with Supply Chain.

• Partner closely with cross-functional partners on in-season management and further development of Men's business:

• Collaborate with the Merchandising and Supply Chain team to maximize sales and sell through by regular business analysis and monthly reforecasting, transfers, and reorders.

• Work with Client Development/Training team to execute seasonal training of Retail Teams and identify opportunities to develop and grow client base.

• Partner with CRM and Out-Of-Network team to execute and support in-network and out-of-network events and caravans, as well as drive virtual appointment strategy.

• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising team to ensure appropriate product presentation to support category priorities.

• Partner closely with Regional Directors to ensure category priorities and sales objectives are focal and being met in stores.

• Partner closely with Omnichannel Team to maximize category visibility and sales online.

• Develop product tools to support stores in driving business.

• Lead projects supporting company-wide priorities, partnering across departments and with Retail to ensure successful launch and management.
• Manage and develop Merchandising VIE to be an integral part of the Merchandising team.
• Generate reports, interpret sales figures, and analyze data to determine the effectiveness of merchandising strategies and provide guidance on how to improve performance and customer engagement.

Profile

KEYS FOR SUCCESS

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Merchandising or equivalent experience

Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of North American market retail buying experience required

• Minimum 6-9 years of Luxury buying experience with primary focus on silhouette or Ready-to-Wear

• Minimum 3 years of management experience in leading a merchandising category autonomously

• Experience in luxury/fashion business

Competencies:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, multi-dimensional environment.

• Superior organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Detail-oriented, highly organized.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to interact with all levels of the organization including senior leadership and retail associates.

• Store travel and Paris travel for market (4-6 times a year) often required. Travel may be 40-60% of your schedule.

• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak merchandising periods

• Strong coaching, motivational, feedback skills.

• Good knowledge of business and markets.

• Analytical and synthesis skills with Excel expertise, including pivot tables and v-look-up.

• Ability to understand and leverage product and financial reports to drive business.

• Strong product sensibility, deep knowledge of and passion for competitive landscape & trends.

• Sense of urgency is critical.

• Must be resourceful, a problem-solver & team player.

• Drives for results, commercial mindset.

Languages: Fluent in English with proficiency of other language(s) will be an advantage

Workplace Address: New York, NY

Additional information

OUR COMMITMENT

CELINE is an equal opportunity employer. We want to offer an inclusive environment of mutual respect where we welcome diversity and all our employees feel included, developed, and heard. We are committed to the prevention of all discrimination, providing equal opportunities to all applicants irrespective of gender, gender expression, disability, origin, background, religious beliefs or sexual orientation or any other basis protected by law. CELINE recruits and recognizes all types of talent and singularities.

The compensation for this position ranges from $100,000- $125,000 annually. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidate’s relevant skills and experience. In addition, there is a bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, various paid time off programs, employee discount/perks, and a retirement plan with employer contribution.