Merchandise Manager Job in Toronto, Ontario Canada
A Merchandise Manager is responsible for planning, controlling and directing the activities of their assigned section of merchandise services, responsible for profit and loss for merchandise categories under their direction. The Merchandise Manager leads, mentors, trains and motivates their buying team and establishes collaborative relationships with key internal groups and third party vendors. This position analyzes historical and current company performance, and competitive information, to accurately identify future trends and needs.
Essential Job Functions:
- Create and implement a leading edge market strategy, including short and long term goals that meet or exceed company expectations
- Develop and articulate a well thought out merchandising business plan for each product category that delivers against annual fiscal financial plans
- Lead the merchandising product development process from concept to completion
- Effectively guide, train, manage and motivate the merchandising team to achieve desired results
- Direct multiple aspects of the merchandise offering including product selection, vendor negotiations, promotional planning, and high level product allocation
- Develop and cultivate strong working relationships with the senior management team of internal client groups, including financial planning, store planning, visual planning, global sourcing, marketing, allocation/replenishment and others in order to achieve business results and capitalize on new opportunities
- Work with the buying team to analyze history, recognize market trends and translate information into product development opportunities
Requirements:
- 6 plus years experience with apparel development and buying
- Minimum 3 years experience in a senior buying position within a large national apparel retail environment
- Strong Merchandising, Product, Trend, Conceptual, Analytical, Organizational, Time Management, Negotiation and Decision making skills required