Director Category Management Kids Apparel

Job description

JOB TITLE

KIDS APPAREL MERCHANDISING DIRECTOR Location: Shanghai, China Company We are a leading sports brand dedicated to creating high-quality, innovative apparel for children that combines performance and style. Our mission is to inspire young athletes and promote an active lifestyle through our products. We are seeking a dynamic Kids Apparel Merchandising Director to lead our merchandising strategy and drive growth in this essential segment.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Kids Apparel Merchandising Director will be responsible for developing and executing the merchandising strategy for our children's sports apparel line. This role requires a deep understanding of the kids' market, current trends in sportswear, and consumer preferences. The ideal candidate will lead a team to create compelling product assortments that resonate with young athletes and their parents, driving sales and enhancing brand loyalty.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive merchandising strategy that aligns with the brand's vision and business objectives. Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for growth in the kids' apparel category.

Product Assortment Development

• Oversee the creation of seasonal product assortments that are innovative, functional, and appealing to children. Collaborate with design, planning, and production teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products that meet market demands.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with marketing, sales, and supply chain teams to align on product launches, promotions, and inventory management. Foster strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders to enhance product visibility and market reach.

Financial Management

• Monitor sales performance, inventory levels, and market trends to inform merchandising decisions. Drive achievement of financial targets including sales growth & product margin improvement.

Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing merchandising team focused on collaboration and innovation. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to enhance team effectiveness.

Market Research & Analysis

• Conduct thorough research on emerging trends in kids' sports apparel to inform product development and merchandising strategies. Utilize data-driven insights to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that guide decision-making processes.

KNOWLEDGE Market Trends

In-depth understanding of current trends in children's sports apparel, including styles, fabrics, and consumer preferences within the Chinese market Product Development: Knowledge of the product lifecycle from concept to market, including design, sourcing, and production processes specific to kids' apparel. Creative problem-solving abilities with a focus on innovation in merchandising strategies.

Analytical Skills

Ability to analyze sales data, market research, and consumer insights to make informed merchandising decisions and optimize product assortments Brand Strategy: Understanding of brand positioning and marketing strategies tailored to appeal to children and their parents in the sports category.

Leadership

Strong leadership skills to inspire and manage a merchandising team, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Retail Environment

Familiarity with the dynamics of the retail landscape in China, particularly in the sports sector, including online and offline channels.

Communication

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Mandarin to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

ABILITIES

Strategic Thinking: Capability to develop long-term merchandising strategies that align with business objectives and respond to market changes.

Problem-Solving

Strong problem-solving abilities to address challenges in product development, inventory management, and market competition effectively.

Adaptability

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment that requires quick decision-making and adaptability to changing consumer trends.

Team Development

Ability to mentor and develop team members, enhancing their skills and fostering professional growth within the merchandising department.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Fashion Design, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 10 years in retail buying or merchandising with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the children's sports apparel sector. Proven track record of managing product development processes in a fast-paced retail environment. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our kids' sports apparel line within a dynamic retail environment.

We offer a collaborative culture that values creativity and innovation, along with competitive compensation and benefits.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and vision for the role.