Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

To execute the product planning strategies for adidas Value Channel (VC) store to optimize profits and meet financial and marketing objectives. Responsibilities include merchandising planning, OTB management, allocation and reporting in line with Value Channel (VC) Merchandise Strategy.

Key Responsibilities
•Responsible for pre and in-season product management across all merchandise categories ensuring stock is allocated efficiently and effectively in line with VC merchandise strategy and to drive commercial growth 
•Continuous analysis of merchandise trends to ensure order book (OB) is managed to drive operations efficiencies and commercial opportunities
•Maintain current and future plans (Forecasting and reforecasting when necessary)
•Execute seasonal range planning process and schedule and confirm seasonal buy plans in line with value channel merchandise strategy
•Work with the Demand Planning support to ensure all product orders are captured and uploaded in line with cut off dates
•Work closely with all teams to execute pre-season planning (identify allocation opportunities / risks in order book) to ensure categories are managed and commercial opportunities maximized before season start
•Take direction from Value Channel Merchandise Trading Manager to ensure in-season product strategy is executed and maintained – category width, depth, and price parity (good, better, best)
•Work closely with Value Channel Merchandise Buying Specialist and support to define framework to identify top sellers, black hole (and other) product segments
•Evaluate adjustments to plans and allocations for performance trends and inventory levels and ensure corrective action is taken on slow sellers and opportunities seized with top sellers and replenishment.
•Execute in-season commercial trade opportunities in line with commercial needs / stock opportunities
•Ability to enhance and create new reporting to elevate the current business processes
•Work closely with Value Channel teams on preparation of mark-downs/pricing as required and in line with Vale Channel, market and/or DTC strategy
•Execute framework to identify markdown and stock volume impact for any proposed commercial/other activations
•Manage seasonal OTB planning and optimisation in line with value channel strategy and alongside DTC planning processes. Ensure this is in line with key business milestones and cut off dates
•Ensure clear product intro phasing strategy in line with overarching value channel and DTC merchandising strategy
•Work with Value Channel HUB on OTB planning where needed/necessary
•Work with Value Channel Buying and Customer Services support on OB alignment and monthly CNS (Cannot supply) process.
•Recommend and participate in all decisions that may impact on the merchandising functions regarding stores daily processes.

Key Relationships
•Value Channel Merchandise Buyer
•DTC
•Value Channel HUB Merchandise team
•Cluster and HUB Category Management (CTC) teams
•Brand, Omnichannel teams
•Supply Chain
•Finance/Demand Planning

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
•Merchandise Planning
•Demand Planning
•Excellent Excel skills (to advanced Level)
•Ability to use MS Word, PowerPoint
•Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal.
•Strong attention to detail
•Ability to interpret and manage large sets of data
•Ability to exercise good judgment and decision-making skills
•Ability to work collaboratively within a team
•Ability to work under pressure.
•Demonstrate an ability to guide through complex and ambiguous environments

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications
•Relevant tertiary qualification 
•3+ years of working experience within retail of a medium-large size organization.