Associate Assortment Planner, Geo Germany

Overview

With the customer in the center of our vision and with the newly implemented “Lace up plan” strategic plan, the Associate Assortment Planner GEO (AAPG) plays a crucial role in facilitating the creation of a deeper, more relevant connection to our customers.

The AAPG’s main objective is the development, delivery and on-going management of a profitable and productive clustered assortment with the goal of deepening our relationship with our consumer. Based on local market knowledge, stakeholders input and data, the AAPG shares a recommendation on the store assortments for 6-12 months out to the Central Assortment Planning team at the EHQ. The AAPG is responsible for driving customer experience in store and increasing NPS, while maximizing sales, margin, and liquidation.

By travelling the market and data analysis the AAPG reacts to changes in trend and sell-through performance and shares recommendations to change distribution plans to capitalize on emerging opportunities and/or to manage SKU count instore. The AAPG shares weekly/ quarterly trade input with key stakeholders such as the Assortment Planning and Allocation team at the EHQ, and Store Experience team. In addition, the AAPG regularly assesses the assortment in store vs our assortment planning tool, supports the VM team, and plays a key role in the local events/ campaigns for their region.

To be successful in this role, you will need commercial awareness, excellent communication skills, have an understanding of the local product trends and foster strong partnership with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Recommend market specific pre-season assortment plans to support the merchandise strategy. Trade in season through analysis of assortment productivity and highlight trends and opportunities. Review product distribution plans prior to intake, adapting to trend shifts and new opportunities (in-season trade). Share Weekly / Quarterly trade recap with Leadership team Assortment Planning and other stakeholders such as Allocation Support Assortment Planners and VM on the assortment for New stores, relocations and remodels Highlight regional opportunities such as sizing and transfers. Attend weekly Go-To-Market (GTM) meeting and monthly Visual Merchandising (VM) meetings to understand the company’s key marketing campaigns. Partner with Allocation, Buying and GTM/VM to ensure alignment on door and distribution. Support VM / Marketing team with local events and campaigns. Support GTM processes. Represent Planning in Store Experience – Allocation Bi-weekly trade meeting as well as weekly GEO trade meetings Support on sku count and inventory strategies in season (sku life cycle management). Maintain and enhance best business practices across the merchandising group by partnering closely with all Assortment Planners, your director and seeking input from respective subject matter experts. Support test and learn environment by making initiatives manageable and recognizing scalability fast. Expect 50% of travel time to stores located in the GEO market.
Qualifications

University or College degree in Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain or equivalent education and experience. Fluency both in local language and English is required Identify and understand the various business needs and propose solutions/strategic changes. Aware of and introduce innovative approaches/best practices to the business. Understand all areas of the business and their requirements and challenges. Review current processes to identify potential improvements and implement them together with the responsible area. Minimum 2 years’ experience in a trend driven, high-volume company. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Problem solving and decision-making abilities. Understanding of the European consumer and regional differences. Business mathematical skills required. Ability to work under pressure and with own initiative. Sound business/commercial awareness, high concern for effectiveness, entrepreneurial. Enthusiastic, goal-oriented team player with a desire to join the biggest in the business. Superior communication skills and ability to influence across all levels of a complex, culturally diverse matrix organization: natural ability to engage others into buying into a vision or a solution, while keeping an open mind to others’ opinions. Proactive communication, convey healthy confidence, energy and inspires trust. Understands and is passionate about sneaker culture.

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