Senior Manager Category Management Lifestyle - EM South

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organisation

• The purpose of the Category Management team is to develop product ranges by category to best meet the needs of the local consumers, profitably.

For this role specifically

• Deliver a globally aligned and locally relevant product range for the entire Lifestyle category Originals 50% SOB/ Sportswear 25% SOB in EMS, focused on delivering the company sales growth aspirations per sales channel
• Sustainably grow profitability and market share for the Lifestyle Category Originals + Sportswear
• Manage the seasonal go-to-market GTM process for Lifestyle to build the optimal product offering, considering the local consumer and channel requirements.
• Be the product expert and provide the relevant support for all Marketing Brand Activation plans

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the CTC Director to develop and define the Lifestyle product strategy including lifecycle management for all lifestyle key franchises for the local market at a channel level Sportswear addition expands scope to commercial distribution
• Develop a product range that seamlessly merges Originals and Sportswear delivering a Footwear, Apparel and Accessories offer that is carefully segmented by channel/account and meets of the customer/consumer
• Work with direct reports increase from 2x M4 and 1xP1 to 4xM4 and 1xP1 to deliver a compelling range/concept selection for EM South by balancing local consumer, global brand and commercial considerations and supporting the overall business strategy of the channels.
• Lead Go to Market GTM process to engage channels and customers and collaboratively build the strongest viable product mix commercial distribution now included
• Deliver net sales and profitability GIM by managing pricing, margin, and the product mix across Lifestyle articles managed doubles
• Ownership of product demand forecasting which most accurately reflects the customer and consumer demand in the market
• Seasonal analysis of marketplace to understand trends, competitor product assortments and pricing.
• Proactively drive cluster range enhancements including product development that meet local needs and reflect differentiation in marketplace where required. Work closely with the Lifestyle Hub team Originals + Sportswear and Local Sourcing to deliver these.
• Own the range architecture for Lifestyle category including range guidance, brand focus and local pricing requirements.
• Monitor and maintain the accuracy of product data available to the business via the pricing matrix.
• Conduct monthly analysis of sell-through performance, sell out, of the relevant categories and make adjustments to the range where necessary.
• Support seasonal Brand Activations by aligning with BA/Omni team on Marketing plans; communication tools; activation tools; and by providing sports marketing support to ensure our partners get access to the best of adidas.
• Lead, coach and develop direct reports

Key Relationships

• Director CTC & Mops EM South
• EMS Cluster Category Management Team.
• Cluster Demand Planning team
• EMS commercial channel Teams DTC, Ecom, WHS
• EM BU's

KPIs

• Net Sales and GIM%
• Range efficiency targets; range size and efficiency incl. overlap
• Market Sales vs Plan

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Marketing, merchandising, category management/planning, assortment planning and/or retail experience, with a distinct track record of success
• Exposure to other disciplines preferable, e.g. brand communication, retail or sales experience
• Strong presentation/communications and influencing skills
• Strong numerical / analytical skills
• Intermediate to advanced skills in MS Office – Excel and PowerPoint key
• Structured, organized and process orientated
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment under pressure
• Industry: Preferably in retail/apparel/ FMCG
• Exposure: Retail / FMCG / Fashion

Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• University degree in Marketing/Business
• 10+ years equivalent professional experience in Category Management/Merchandising
• People Leadership experience for a minimum of 3 years
• Fluent in English