Hey There!
We're seeking a Footwear Merchandiser: a driven, creative, dynamic problem solver whose drive for success enables him/her to achieve brand, business goals and individual development goals.
Are you a passionate runner? Does having a natural way of life matter to you? Are you purpose led? Do you challenge the status quo? Always asking questions and seeking out solutions? Well, let's join our journey!
The footwear industry needs shake-up. At Altra, we believe there is a more natural alternative to current running shoes. For the last 14 years, we have offered shoes that are capable to make room for our feet.
Live the brand
Altra Running was founded in 2009, in the backroom of a small specialty running store in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Since the beginning, the goal has been to create innovative and purposeful running shoes that help people run more naturally with fewer injuries: our purpose is "unleashing human potential by inspiring the world to move naturally". We want everyone who is capable of running to experience the thrill of finishing their first race, setting a new personal record and shattering limits they never thought they could overcome. We use our run-improving footwear, unmatched education, and inextinguishable passion for running to inspire everyone to lace up, hit the open road or trail, and start running. Our mission to get everyone who is able out and running may be bold, but we won't stop trying until it's a reality.
Let's talk about the role!
The Footwear Merchandiser will need to be an experienced presenter who is numeric savvy with excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
This role's main responsibilities will be to lead the merchandising process for the Footwear Performance Category to create best-in-class assortments.
How you will make the difference

Category performance including responsibility for sales and margin targets, product execution, and evaluation and implementation of new opportunities.
Segmentation plans that deliver requisite differentiation among channels and tiers, with focus on Specialty, Strategic Key Accounts and DTC.
Multi Year Franchise Management.
Multi season Planning of Product Journeys from Seed to Scale for each franchise.

Merchandising led approach

Brief and Partner with Global Team to develop the right products for the EMEA market that align with the EMEA Footwear strategy to make sure the financial goals are reached.
Partake in key account sell in/ pre line meetings with top accounts.
Directing a comprehensive sell through analysis end of season to inform product creation teams of successes and opportunities.
Plan Product & color Lifecycle for the key Franchises. Plan appropriate Product Journeys for each Footwear Performance Inspired franchise for multiple seasons: from seed / ignite to scale / maximize.
Own the Performance Category KPI's, including revenue, SKU count, margins.
Line planning with logical architecture. Product, price & color.
Deliver channel segmentation and differentiation: DTC vs. Wholesale & Specialty vs. Strategic Key accounts, based on feedback.

Marketplace

Identify opportunities based on the strategic choices, consumer profiles, and customer needs.
Know the distribution, from Specialty to Key Accounts.
Know the competition (innovations, materials, features / benefits, pricing architecture, best sellers, franchise management).
Trends. Know where the market is heading next (reference brands, products, materials, features / benefits, price) and how they fit into the Brand priorities.
Gather and filter seasonal market feedback and input to for the current or future seasons. Build consumer right assortments from this.

Communication

Partner with the Global Merchandiser Footwear Director in order to make sure we have a logical Footwear Line Architecture, Segmentation Strategy, and avoid SKU cannibalization.
Drive cross-functional partnerships with forecasting, sales, retail and marketing during the Go-to-Market process.
Participate and feedback during Global meetings, present at sales meetings and account meetings.
Partner across functions to create a strong '1 Team' culture of support, visibility and sharing.

Skills for Success

University degree or equivalent.
At least 2-3 years' experience in a Footwear Merchandising or buying role
Running Footwear experience / background is required
Experience at working with Strategic Accounts is preferred
'Can do' attitude
Good communicator in English
Team oriented

What's in it for you?

Be part of an iconic sports and lifestyle brand with an incredible heritage
Join a multi-brand and multi-market organization to drive your career forward
International and challenging working culture
On-site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
50% discount on all VF brands
Subsidized canteen as well as breakout areas offering complimentary hot drinks

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity
As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.
If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!

Altra, a VF Company

Footwear Merchandiser - ALTRA