European Head of Merchandising

The Bata Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers and retailers of quality footwear. A global concern with more than 30,000 employees, 24 production facilities, over 5,000 stores in more than 70 countries across the globe, Bata has been providing the best shoes at the best prices, backed by unparalleled service, for 120 years.

Since its founding in 1894 by Thomas Bata, the company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to responsible and innovative business models in the belief that capital is not just money, buildings, or technology, but, more importantly, people, knowledge, and core values. This visionary approach has enabled the company to meet each new challenge with creativity and foresight, while earning the trust and confidence of customers, employees, and the communities in which it does business.

Today, Bata's pioneering decentralized production system, featuring semi-autonomous regional facilities, allows the company to quickly adapt to changes in the marketplace and seize potential growth opportunities. It also continues Bata's long tradition of being sensitive to cultural and national differences and enables it to proudly function as a local company in every country it serves.

**Posizione**:
We are looking for the EUROPEAN HEAD OF MERCHANDISING that is in charge of sales results analysis from previous seasons and proposes pricing and product architecture. He/she is responsible for managing and leading the team to achieve sales, profit and margin budgets within the agreed share coverage targets through Merchandise and Financial planning, assortment and range building, markdown management.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

PLAN
- Plan product ranges and prepare sales, stock, margins, availability and promotion/markdown plans to achieve budget
- Plan in terms of numbers and quantities
- Work with distribution and purchasing / product teams to provide a strategic plan, working on data to provide an appropriate collection structure for customers and shops
- Agree shop stock valuation with the customs distribution department
- Propose relevant promotions to drive volumes on key lines
- Produce and execute online assortment strategy to deliver sales, budget, forecast and online availability for customer: OTB definition
- Prepare delivery and commitment plan
- Plan quantities per item and delivery date according to plan

IN SEASON & END SEASON ANALYSIS
- Monitoring slow sales lines, taking action to reduce prices, setting up promotions
- Reforecasting as required through WSSI and OTB management
- Seasonal and end-of-season analysis
- Visit Bata shops to review the period and get feedback.

LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK
- Communicates accurately and effectively at all levels
- Motivates the team and shares information and objectives
- Ensures that the team pursues budget targets and daily activities
- Meets deadlines, following agreed company procedures
- Contributes effectively to system and process improvements
- Identifies and supports team development needs through the transfer of skills and knowledge
- Takes the necessary time to train, guide and give appropriate feedback to employees
- Delegates and organises effectively
- Manages performance issues

**Requisiti**:

- 10 years' merchandising experience within an apparel or footwear company
- Proven track record of driving sales, profit, margin and inventory targets
- Experience in the use of WSSI / OTB tools
- Financial merchandise planning, assortment planning and collection building
- Strong product, market and customer experience
- Good commercial, analytical and problem solving skills
- Result oriented, sets goals for oneself and others
- Adapts to changing circumstances and redefines priorities, managing change effectively
- Shows initiative to solve challenges and the ability to work under pressure
- Takes responsibility for own decisions
- Builds an effective team, celebrating success as required
- Planning and organising

**Altre informazioni**:
WORK LOCATION
- Limena (PD)
- Possibility of working in Smart Working for part of the week after an initial on-site training period