Head of Merchandising – Iconic American Brand

Location
New York City
Job Information

Our client is a American Iconic Brand headquartered in NYC. They are seeking a Head of Merchandising to lead the creative direction of all product categories from inception and ensure all partnerships understand and adhere to the brand vision. The Head of Merchandising will be ultimately responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and that the brand meets all financial objectives.

Responsibilities:

  • Achieve financial objectives by building categories for the brand and its various initiatives in accordance with the vision, mission and value propositions
  • Manage all communication with licensees and retail partners as it pertains to product
  • Analyze retail sales and implement strategies to increase sales for brands in the portfolio in accordance with business plan
  • Research trends and identify core customer behaviors to ensure development of products that will maximize sell through
  • Set product direction through proper categories, seasonal assortment and categorical hierarchy in accordance with brand positioning and financial goals
  • Modify the product direction to meet the company’s financial objectives
  • Effectively coordinate design and seasonal concepts to ensure a cohesive image in the presentation of the brand while ensuring quality standards
  • Assess retail landscape for product opportunities and expansion of categories
  • Create seasonal brand direction and lead seasonal product direction meetings per brand in accordance with the business plan
  • Establish product and looks for photo shoots and look books per brand and in accordance with the business plan
  • Possess an intimate knowledge of the brand, the marketplace, and trends and be able to communicate this information in a way that helps licensees drive financial performance
  • Organize competitive and research trips for trend analysis in US, Europe and Japan
  • Understand design, sourcing and manufacturing methods to ensure that the licensees’ procedures and products meet the needs of the business plan
  • Initiate new product categories and trends for licensee and retailer growth
  • Approve or deny product from licensees and retailers in accordance with legal obligations and business plan

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of fifteen years of experience in a merchandising leadership position with a leading fashion brand or retailer
  • BA required, or advanced degree in design
  • Ability to understand the needs of, and develop product resonating with the target market
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Exceptional leadership and cross functional relationships.
  • Ability and willingness to travel international and domestic
  • Take initiative when required to meet the objectives set out in the business plans
  • Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required

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Please attach your resume in a Microsoft Word document.