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VP, Merchandising & Planning

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Your Journey

After another amazing year of growth for team SB, we are looking for a VP of Merchandising & Planning who will play a key role in shaping and leading the transformation of this function to support a vibrant and growing multi-channel, global business.

 

This key hire will establish best practices across our Merchandising function, providing the oversight and support needed to maximize top line sales and bottom-line profit via effective inventory management. Ideally you will have led an integrated planning function that provided a global view of the business, as well as multiple levels of detail and granularity, whilst providing Management with more accurate reporting and accountability for business goals. Reporting into our Chief Product Officer, the VP of Merchandising & Planning will be obsessive about improving processes and efficiencies, using strategic thought and leadership to refine and managing a transparent end-to-end process. We are looking for someone who leads by example, builds strong teams, and has managed a merchandising function through significant change.

 

The key to success in this role is the ability to build strong working relationships with the wider business, including but not limited to Finance, IT, Buying, Wholesale Sales team, Retail, e-Comm and Supply Chain partners. The ability to collaborate, communicate with respect, influence others, bring people along, and present a sound business case with clarity and professionalism are qualities that lead to success at Sweaty Betty.

We endeavour to set you up for success at SB, both professionally and personally. From bi-annual performance reviews to supporting you with your goals outside of the office, our formula is Well + Fit = Happy.

At a high level, this executive will be focused on:

  • Leading the transformation of the merchandising/ planning function, incorporating best practices in process, systems and staff development with a global multi-channel lens
  • Developing top-down targets based on financial and long-range SB goals
  • Managing the Merchandising/ Planning Calendar that is aligned with Finance, Business Units and Market Cycles
  • Owns the WSSI and drives global inventory management
  • Responsible for margin planning and management
  • Leads global pricing architecture management in partnership with the VP of Buying
  • Leading Merchandising/ Planning team in building long range category and class level financial plans and budgets
  • Responsible for global markdown strategy
  • Supporting e-comm, Retail and Wholesale channels that have undergone rapid growth and transformation

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for leading merchandising, planning and wider SB initiatives; analysing/ managing performance, maximize margin and optimize inventory investment
  • Leading an organization that works across all business/ geographic segments down to the appropriate level
  • Focus on the development and management of the organization while defining and implementing planning processes based upon proven best practices and in collaboration with key cross-functional partners
  • Responsible for building and leading a high-functioning team of merchandising/ planning professionals including organizational design, formal/ informal training and coaching, leadership development and performance management
  • Determine specific initiatives and executables to deliver the revenue, gross margin and turnover objectives through financial planning in collaboration with CFO & COO

 

 

  • Build consensus on the annual financial targets with business leaders
  • Oversee the creation of plans designed to maximize productivity, managing investment to optimize business opportunity, and minimize inventory liability
  • Guide the development and implementation of best-in-class planning and inventory management technology.
  • Oversee the development of long range/ annual/ seasonal merchandise plans that roll up to support the overall SB financial profit objectives
  • Own the on-going management of inventory levels in support of achieving the company turnover and ROI objectives
  • Lead the management of the company-wide rolling forecast. Along with the VP of Buying, you are responsible for delivering the monthly revenue, gross margin and inventory targets
  • In addition to managing processes and systems, you may be responsible for influencing the re-alignment of tasks and responsibilities that may currently reside in other departments

Must Haves

  • 10+ years of experience in Merchandising/ Planning, minimum of 4 in leadership, in a high-volume branded e-comm multi-channel retailer and/ or manufacturer, with sales greater than $250m
  • Experience in working across e-comm, Retail and Wholesale channels 
  • Success in leading the transformation of a high growth business that includes global expansion
  • Seasoned manager, a leader who motivates and inspires by example
  • Knowledge and experience in implementing industry best practices and an ability to introduce and support these practices within the company
  • A credible partner within the senior leadership team; able to build strong relationships with peers
  • Thrives in a fast-paced and growing business; comfortable with change

The Extras

  • Generous clothing allowance
  • 50% off all Sweaty Betty merchandise
  • 23 Days holiday, with buy and sell holiday option
  • Sample sales
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Company bonus scheme
  • Flexi hour scheme, including 4pm Friday finish
  • Generous Company Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay and Childcare support

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