Job Description

Director of Merchandising & Development:

Our client is looking for a Director of Merchandising and Development to take charge of creating product assortments and sourcing strategies that drive profitability for COSABELLA. You’ll oversee the entire process from creation to production, making sure each collection is tailored to meet the needs of the target customer. Working closely with the Design team, you'll develop a line strategy that hits financial goals while delivering a cohesive, standout experience for COSABELLA’s consumers. Your leadership will play a key role in shaping the brand’s success.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Brand Management

Define brand positioning strategy, target consumers, and brand action plans
Define pricing policy based on market needs
Ensure consistency between brand positioning, design, communication, visual merchandising, and sales promotions
Piloting and coordination of all activities in Brand Management
Achieve the target margin

Design & Product Management

Supervise Product Development Manager and validate collection structure, line plan, and design briefings for new collections
Manage the development of new products across markets (Sourcing and/or own production) from creation to delivery
Adapt collections and product segments to the strategic objectives of the sales channels
Coordinate brand design and product development team. Ensure that creative work is aligned with brand positioning
Ensure on-time, on-budget, and quality development
Last word – together with the General Manager - on all decisions impacting product (design, fit, price, margins, lifecycle, and delivery dates)
Organization of collections and sales meetings and leading the collection presentation
Frequent market visits; market and trend research

Analysis

Preparation of international market analysis in various forms (qualities, prices, cuts, etc.)
Creating analysis across all product assortment areas and sales channels
Analysis of key performance metrics and benchmarks per collection and communicating results to key personnel
Close cooperation with the sales team regarding collection input
Control of product performance from launch – lifecycle tracking for basic and continuous revision and replacement
Collection concept
Identifying and implementing market trends and consumer needs in the US and abroad for all channels
Picking up on and implementing new technical and fashion developments, driving innovation forward with the team
Drawing up the collection planning, taking into account the price structure and contribution margin targets and SKU
Regular market and trade fair visits

Implementation

Coordinating and ensuring the collection flow and adherence to deadlines
Detailed briefing to Head of Design
Briefing to materials department regarding fabrics and quotes
Develop and present marketing highlights from the product
Create presentation materials for Product Development Manager / Sales
Presentation of the collection to sales, press, employees, etc.
Developing the products in the buying department in cooperation with the technical development department
Close collaboration with fabric and garment suppliers
Responsible for all necessary steps from briefing prototype to production-ready article (cut, fit, quality, material, and workmanship)
Liaison between individual technical departments and suppliers
Close cooperation and coordination with technical product development and material suppliers
Participation in fittings, especially product development and prototype fittings, to ensure the COSABELLA signature, fit, and contribution margins

Product Development

Define manufacturing policy and manage all design, development, and manufacturing teams
Responsible for the global development and manufacturing process and ensure a close collaboration with product development, design, and manufacturing teams
Technical development with all time, cost, and quality aspects
Assurance of brand standards
Troubleshooting during development and production process
People and budget management
Creation, implementation, and achievement of business plans / budgets
Create constantly unique product innovations
Team leading and coaching
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time

Education/Desirable Experience & Training

At least 7-10 years of experience in a similar position in lingerie (or from the fashion industry)
Business management background
Brand professional with passion and enthusiasm
Proven market and product knowledge
All-rounder/generalist qualities, combined with a strong commercial approach
A clear strategic thinker, a storyteller and creative marketer able to translate consumer insights
An influencer and negotiator able to liaise with counterparts and key stakeholders
Strong leadership skills and high personal integrity
Excellent communication skills
Self-confidence, positive charisma
Structured, systematic working style
Fashion competence, a sure feeling for trends
Passion for visual quality and commercial success
High flexibility
International exposure and sensibility (ideally Europe)

EMERGING BLUE

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Director of Merchandising & Development