Merchandising / CVM Manager

Job description / Role

A luxury international jewelry brand is seeking a Merchandising/CVM Manager. The role will be based in Dubai but be responsible for Merchandising and Visual Merchandising across the Middle East and Africa.

Responsibilities

Regional Assortment Planning:
* Develop and refine assortments for all categories in MEA.
* In partnership with Merchandising Director, provide feedback on new product assortments, including factors such as market feedback and existing sku performance with a goal of highly productive and appropriately and prudently customized assortments.
* Identify stores and/or categories for strategic business reviews, with an eye toward lifecycle planning and proactively exiting down-trending collections and styles as needed.
* Review ""Store Type"" sales reports across all categories on an annual basis and make recommendations for adjustments to store type assignments.
* Create and implement product assortments for all new stores in the Region, maximizing opportunities for space productivity and customization.

New Store Planning and Product Presentation:
* Provide Merchandising direction including input on product sales mix, product adjacencies and product presentation during the store planning and design process.
* Create planograms and floor plans with PPM partner for new store and renovation projects. - Visit stores within area of responsibility on a quarterly basis to review assortments, discuss specific market opportunities, and identify and resolve challenges, paying particular attention to Market Hubs and strategic or priority locations. Ensure bestselling SKUs are on display and make adjustments as necessary for collection cohesion and visual appeal.
* Oversee major changes and/or re-merchandising plans. Create comprehensive recaps with images for significant projects.
* Participate in new store openings, partnering with RP, PPM, CVM and local teams to ensure optimal product support at the time of the opening. Monitor opening trends and communicate needs and issues back to central groups.

Business Support and Analysis:
* Regularly evaluate MEA businesses and define opportunities for growth.
* Develop sales trackers, reports and other analytical tools as needed to support strategic product initiatives and markets visits.
* Actively contribute to regional team efforts by communicating issues/obstacles as they arise, and well-reasoned suggestions that can be incorporated into the creation of new processes related to assortment planning and other cross-functional processes directly impacted by regionalization.

Channel Management:
* Act as the primary point person for Merchandising operations in markets of responsibility and use regional cross-functional counterparts to maximize all aspects of the region's business:
* Seek input from Markets as needed regarding proposed assortments, product launches, new product opportunities, and new stores.
* Collaborate with RP regional counterparts to streamline processes and communications with local market, and to resolve replenishment issues.
* Support Director in the development of targeted strategies to promote sell-through of non-assorted and discontinued merchandise, and take the lead in partnering with markets and RP to execute pullbacks.

Regional Event and Project Support:
* Work with Market VPs and Store leadership to support major events including product selection, coordination with CM, RP and PR, and on-site support as needed.
* Contribute to Region-based project work in support of key objectives and initiatives.
* Assist Global Merchandising team with conference preparations, providing agendas, analysis, and other support as needed.

Requirements

* At least 7-10 years' planning/merchandising experience.
* Experience working within a fashion/retail business.
* Previous experience working for a luxury brand.
* Middle East experience is preferred.

SR Group is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

About the Company

Carter Murray is a specialist recruitment consultancy specialising in the placement of marketing professionals into professional services firms, the financial services sector, multi-national corporations and global brands from our offices in London, Dubai and Sydney. Carter Murray is a member of The SR Group, a specialist global recruitment consultancy founded in 1987, operating in the niche markets of Taxation, Legal, HR and Marketing recruitment. From the worlds largest companies to small owner-managed businesses, we recruit at all levels for a complete cross-section of clients. Our clients include the full range of UK and international professional services firms and financial services companies. We recognise that they expect an exceptional level of service and a real knowledge of todays highly specialised market.Each of our consultants personally manages their own clients and specialises in specific areas of this key marketplace. We take the time to really understand both parties needs and provide focused and consistent advice.