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

DFS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy and practice to employ, promote and treat all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications and competency and to provide all employees with a workplace that is free of discrimination. Employment decisions are based on qualifications such as education, work experience and talent, and are made without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any other basis protected by law.

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