Hong Kong, China
Director, Merchandising Business Strategy
Job Description
Reporting to Vice President, Merchandising Business Strategy, you will also work closely with the President of Merchandising, and key leaders across all merchandising pillars: Fashion, Watches & Jewelry, Fashion, Spirits / Wine / Tobacco / Food / Gifts. The role requires strong command in terms of stakeholders management, with frequent interactions with Senior leaders across Operations, Store Development, Finances, Business Development, as well as playing a key role in animating the team and coaching junior team members in the team.
Key Responsibilities:
PMO – conduct end to end project management for any footprint-related initiatives (brand replacement, New openings, Key renovations, bids)
- Collect key datapoints (customers, competition, regulations, store environment etc…) from Divisions
- Shape space strategy options – categories, brands, concepts, products
- Align best strategy across categories and merchants
- Coordinate financial assessment (sales, margins, Capex…) and enable submission of Capital Expenditure Request. Follow up with Operations, Store Development, Finances to speed up the process. Perform due diligence on Business Plans
- Facilitate pitching process by securing pitching strategy and materials
- Course correct project as needed during the Design and Build phase. Secure timely delivery of required inputs to meet opening timelines
- Support Vice President Merchandising Business Strategy in Bid projects
Product strategy – support President of Merchandising and SVPs in each category
- Support ad hoc research and initiative development to optimize product strategy, assess options, introduce new concepts…
- Support VP Merchandising Business Strategy in coordinating key strategic presentations (Stratplan, Budget, Board of Director…) and Chief of Staff function to President Merchandising (Offsite, key brand summits…)
Business Analytics – generate business insight to facilitate decisions for Merchandising leaders, e.g.
- Analyze sales results, project future P&L, assess model options thru financial review
- Deliver ad hox research and build fact base around new business ideas
- Conduct market share analysis to understand dynamics in the market
- Quickly assess new business opportunities (locations, new offers etc…)
Key Requirements
- Master degree from top-tier university
- At least 10 years work experience in Management consulting, Banking, Strategy, Research, Business development, FP&A with strong interest into getting closer to Business / Commercial and PMO preferred
- Advanced Excel and Power Point skills a must
- Excellent written and oral communication skills - Fluent English is a must. Asian Language a Plus
- Strong communicator who is comfortable working with a range of internal stakeholders – senior management, store operations, marketing, merchandising, etc. Excellent interpersonal skills, fosters strong relationships, ability to influence others
- Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data and translate into actionable insights/recommendations
- Self-driven / self starter
- Natural problem-solver
- Ability to translate ambiguous business challenges into concrete action plans and recommendations
- Positive, pro-active and flexible work style and can work under pressure
- Project management and ability to manage multiple project at a time