Senior Merchandising Manager (Global Merchandising)

Job Description

A World of Possibilities with DFS
Become part of DFS and open up your horizons to the world with our unique savoir-faire. Let your passion take you from milestone to milestone; embark on a journey to unlock your full potential. A culture connected by trust and individuality, where luxury, travel and retail combine to provide a truly global workplace experience: start your career in one part of the world and find your home in another. Be part of the LVMH Group and transform from luxury admirer to luxury insider.  Growth opportunities, holistic expertise, and bonds lasting for life. A World of Possibilities – that’s DFS.

Are you a seasoned and accomplished manager looking to lead and drive your own department and team in a dynamic environment? If you possess a wealth of experience in merchandising and brand management, DFS welcomes you to embark on an extraordinary journey as Senior Merchandising Manager for Beauty team. 

The Senior Merchandising Manager owns and manages the development and execution of the strategy for a department/ group of departments within the overall beauty category. You will be responsible for making important decisions related to the successful management of the department(s) and for ensuring flawless execution and achievement of both strategic and financial metrics. With full ownership of vendor relationships and of your own direct reports, strong people and leadership skills are a must. Reporting to the Vice President of the category, the Senior Merchandising Manager will work closely with cross functional partners to optimize the department(s). 

Department Strategy and Financial Targets 

• Lead the Merchandise team in the development and execution of compelling merchandising strategies for a department/ group of departments within the category. 
• Develop a keen understanding of the department(s) business, priorities, and products 
• Provide the vision, leadership, and creativity to drive the business for the department(s) as aligned to the overall category 
• Own internal and external relationships related to the successful navigation of all topics related to the department(s) 
• Foster strong partnerships, securing brand participation in relevant initiatives across the DFS network  
• Develop financial objectives and targets for the department(s) in line with the category vision; analyze financials to determine further opportunities based on results 
• Partner with Senior Planning Manager to achieve strategic and financial objectives for department(s) 
• Drive successful commercial negotiations, focusing on profitability at the department(s) level 
• Drive and execute department floor space agreements and allocation as aligned with category vision 
• Identify and interpret opportunities based on seasonal/ customer trends, PAX profiles, location specifics and execute as appropriate 

People Development and Cross Functional Leadership 

• Manage up to 4 direct reports 
• Recruit and develop career paths and training plans for each member of the team 
• Mentor and serve as a role model to team members and cross functional partners 
• Employ a strategic approach to the team and category, identifying opportunities and leading solutions to build a more effective and efficient organization 
• Champion a culture of excellence, creativity, and teamwork, inspiring the team collaboratively 

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher 
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant progressive retail experience with a background in buying, brand management, and/ or planning 
• Specific category experience preferred, with previous luxury market and international business exposure a plus (Beauty or Multi-brand experience will be an advantage)
• Must demonstrate strong mix of analytic, creative, organizational, and communication skills at all levels 
• Thrives in a fast paced, rapidly changing ambiguous environment 
• Proactive problem-solving skills with ability to anticipate obstacles and quickly generate alternate solutions/ ideas 
• Demonstrated track record of successful brand management and commercial negotiations, achieving sales targets and driving business growth 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively operate with high energy and flexibility in a dynamic and multicultural environment 
• Honed presentation skills; confidence in presenting point of view in multiple forums across multiple audiences  
• Leadership and people management capabilities
• Ability to travel up to 4-8 weeks per year