Merchandising Manager, Collaborations and Special Projects

Eastpak EMEA is looking for an exceptional Merchandising Manager, Collaborations and Special Projects to join our Product Merchandising team based in Antwerp, Belgium.

At Eastpak, we’re Built to Resist whatever life throws at us, as we express ourselves as individuals and inspire positive resistance. Since we started our journey half a century ago, we’ve refined our classic bag designs and continue to innovate and collaborate with some of the world’s leading creatives. We’re committed to making durable designs that stand the test of time, as we foster a more sustainable way of living. Our Eastpak culture is defined by Empowerment, Responsibility, Creativity, Collaboration and Positive Resistance.

Eastpak is Built to Resist, are you?

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ROLE!

As Merchandising Manager, Collaborations and Special Projects you will manage Eastpak’s special collections process by strategizing, planning, outlining the resources and doing full follow up of each phase of the below key process:

Collaborations
Customizations
Off calendar initiatives
You will drive the collaboration process from intake to launch and be responsible for a strategic mix of collabs to maximize impact and turnover that meet the needs of the consumer, market requirements in terms of price, distribution, and brand positioning.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You will achieve this by Ownership of the full collaborations process and special projects:

Build strong relationships with external partners and translate their requirements into readable design packages in line with Eastpak guidelines.
Direct the design and development team and follow up on the process from product concept, design phase and samples.
Stakeholder`s management for all contractual negotiations with partners, legal teams until contract signature.
Partner with the marketing team to deliver marketing tools and a strong activation plan in relation to the projects.
Partner with finance regarding royalty redesign fees and any other project costs.
Manage the phasing, positioning and deliver impactful sell out moments respecting budget plan.
Collaborate with cross functional departments to align on the GTM and execution plan (planning, marketing, digital)
Monitor performance and collect all data from cross functional teams to evaluate each project and re-assess if needed.

JOB DETAILS

ANALYSE

Competition: understand the needs of the target consumers and competitive environment.
Market: maintain constant awareness of market requirements and needs (E.g pro-actively look and share out potential future collabs opportunities taking market feedbacks and trends into account)
Trend: sustain strong knowledge of current and upcoming trends.
Collect all data from cross functional teams to generate ad-hoc reporting linked to forecasts follow-up, sell in, sell through and establish efficiency reports for each project.

PLAN

Ensure that the calendar is filled up with a strategic mix of collabs to ensure we maximize impact while maxing out rev.
Monitor and validate the development from brief to samples with Asian Partners / Designers and Developers and interact to ensure timely completion of each project
Engage and align with other departments to fulfil the GTM process
Lead the Marketing team to have perfect marketing tools and activation plan in relation to each project

BRIEF

Key window with the demanding partner, responsible to retrieve the brief and verify all feasibility of the project.
Stakeholder for all contractual negotiations between partners and legal teams until contract signature
Organize and deliver the project briefs, development meetings as well as internal and sales meetings when necessary.

EXECUTE

Get together with partners and translate the partner requirements into readable design package together with product team.
In review with Manager set up price levels with the partners as well as terms and conditions and ensure target margins are met or exceeded on newly developed projects.
Upload all necessary databases and keep all details exact – in terms of SKU creation and ordering process.
Follow up on Design fees, Royalties and Project Costs in a structured way with Finance.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

5+ years experience in merchandising, project management – ideally in a fashion environment and global brand organization
Strong communication skills – the ability to influence, negotiate and present to higher management.
Leadership skills – leading and unifying teams with different backgrounds and responsibilities
Expertise in tools (excel) and process management
Problem solving skills – think of unique and creative ways to resolve issues
Demonstrates flexibility and initiative
A keen interest in fashion
Fluent in English (Both written and spoken)
Be a true team player that champions new ways of working
A lot of enthusiasm!

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization
On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
A discount card with 50% on all VF brands
Relocation support may be available to applicants who live more than 100 km from Antwerp, Belgium.

VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com

FREE TO BE, INCLUSION & DIVERSITY

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you! Apply, visit vfc.com, Eastpak.com or follow us on our LinkedIn and Instagram pages, see you there!

Taggué comme : Merchandising, retail, sales, ventes