Category Merchant-Stationery

• Consulted on the definition of the Category Strategy for their respective Category and ensuring that this strategy aligns with the Corporate strategy and meets targeted financial objectives
• Responsible for the assortment definition and product selection for the banners, channels, countries and departments they manage, ensuring that the assortment aligns with targets
• Responsible for  identifying, developing and procuring  products to drive the success and performance of their assigned banners/channels/countries/departments (i.e. their “assigned responsibilities”)
• Responsible for collaborating with the Global Sourcing organization to identify new sources of supply, prepare for buying trips, select vendors, and negotiate costs for their assigned responsibilities
• Consulted on all financial and assortment planning activities for their assigned responsibilities.  Ensures plans align with the Category Strategy and business objectives, and that buys align with assortment targets
• Responsible for signing off on all plan-o-guides, display guides, flow guides, and planners for their assigned responsibilities prior to communication to stores
• Responsible for collaborating with the Global Sourcing organization to manage and direct relationships and performance of those vendors that support their assigned responsibilities
• Responsible for the selection of all products from their assigned responsibilities that are included in a promotional program.  Responsible for ensuring the products are appropriately represented in a promotion
• Responsible for conducting Weekly Business Reviews of their assigned responsibilities.  Consulted on the Monthly P&L Performance Reviews of their assigned responsibilities
• Consulted on activities related to leading, mentoring and providing guidance to the Category Team as well as training and developing the Merchandising organization
• Responsible for identifying potential Merchandising business and systems improvement initiatives

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
 

• 3 to 6 years experience
• Bachelor's degree (BA / BA / BFA) or equivalent
• Retail/discount merchandising
• Merchandise planning, assortment planning, and category management experience
• Market and trend analysis experience
• Creativity – big idea development
• Proven vendor management skills (sourcing, relationship building, product pricing, product development); strong negotiating skills