The Armani Group is one of the leading fashions and luxury goods groups in the world today with 10,500 direct employees, 12 production plants and more than 2,704 boutiques in 60 countries around the world. It designs, manufactures, distributes, and retails fashion and lifestyle products including apparel, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewelry, home interiors, fragrances, and cosmetics under a range of brand names: Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Exchange.

Overview:

As an Ea Men’s Merchandising Manager, you are responsible for the overall buying/merchandising strategy and execution for Retail and Concessions points of distribution in Usa and Mexico. This position requires you to work cross functionally with various depts including Hq merchandising, logistics, It, customer service, planning, wholesale, and the store staff to coordinate and execute the seasonal and replenishment product strategy. You are to develop, analyze and consolidate weekly selling reports. You execute seasonal product rotations between stores to ensure sales to stock efficiency. You ensure the integrity of the product assortment is aligned with the visual display expectations. You are responsible to partner with the planning team on the Open-to-Buy budgets and sku plans vs store capacity. You play a critical part in the organization as you must have the ability to confidently provide reports, numbers, and crucial information to stakeholders. Your goal is to drive sales, margin and inventory turn through keen business acumen, operational excellence and exceptional customer service. You are a go-getter who is hungry to learn and able to work with an entrepreneurial mindset to resolve problem solving tasks. Your skill set includes being analytical and product knowledge focused aligned with the continual evolution of the Ea and Ea7 brand offering.

You will anticipate the needs of the business by providing relevant, timely and actionable analysis. You develop and motivate the team and those around you by fostering a culture of high performance. You live in the details, numbers and processes but think strategically and communicate clearly, with an emphasis on continuous improvement across the organization.

Description of Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the development, execution, and communication of seasonal and replenishment merchandising strategies to 60 Retail and Concessions points of distribution within the Usa and Mexico.
• Responsible for multiple Men’s product categories including but not limited to, Rtw (Tailored Clothing as well as Sportswear), Accessories, Shoes, Slg etc.
• To be accountable for Ea Men’s division sales results, inclusive of gross sales, net sales, gross margin and sell through results.
• To control all facets of the Men’s Ea and Ea7 buying process for the Us and Mexico.
• Develop brand appropriate assortments in partnership with Hq and local management, which incorporates product trends, historical data, and field input. Identify and recommend big ideas/ key items positioning to ensure they meet financial targets. Formulate and continually evaluate pricing strategies.
• Present assortment to senior management for approval by developing presentation structure and content, and ensuring appropriate analysis is completed. Identify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace/trend information.
• Analyze Open to Buy and act as necessary, recommending changes to future on order, pricing, or markdown strategies.
• Maintain expert knowledge of industry through store visits and competitive analysis.
• Communicate with Hq and local management through meetings and store visits regarding best/worst sellers.
• Monitor and provide development and training of assistant merchandising manager and cross-functional team.
• Work with visual team to create strong floor sets and accurate documents to drive sales.
• Create and implement effective product knowledge through the division inclusive of product knowledge tools and seminars.
• Analyze and consolidate reporting of weekly sales and inventory, identify, and look for inactive or inefficient stock opportunities.
• Partner with assistant merchandise manager and store/shop managers on weekly merchandise replenishment needs.
• Provide photos, copy, and sample turn-ins for Bloomingdales.com, as well as review drop ship stock levels and work on Rtv’s,
• Partner with the Bloomingdales Corp Merchandisers to support business needs such as loading pricing files, submitting markdowns, and aligning on by door strategies.
• Provide weekly product highlights to the stores as well as present current product strategies on weekly meeting with the stores.
• Develop merchandising strategies for in store pop ups/outposts, trunk shows, and special events.

Requirements

• Buying/Merchandising experience
• Interest in luxury Men’s Rtw fashion and accessories a plus.
• Open to Buy Management Skills
• Systems: Sap, Arm, Nais, Dos, Bi
• Advanced Excel Proficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree preferred
• 5-7 years of experience within this field
• Must posses advanced excel skills and technical proficiency
• Must have strong analytical skills, creative problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate and thrive in a face-paced learning environment.
• A strong communicator who can influence high-level decision making.
• A passionate contributor who cares deeply about the quality of their work.
• An inspirational leader who can rally and mentor colleagues.
• Must have prior leadership and management experience.

Company Standards

• Promote a positive perception of the Company at all times both internally and externally.
• Be aware of and anticipate customer needs.
• Implement and ensure the Company Health, Hygiene and Safety Policy is met at all times.
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Sets and achieves goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments, Inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Eeo policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.

Company Knowledge­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Brand Representation:

Integrates the Company’s Mission Statement and Core Values into all business operations; demonstrates a belief in our Brand and a passion for the business; Tracks market and competitor trends to identify opportunities and maintain competitive edge.

Knowledge of Responsibilities:

Exhibits thorough knowledge of position and departmental requirements; Recognizes interrelationships and knows how position relates to the overall organization globally and domestically; clearly defines and communicates functions and activities in area of responsibility; Integrates departmental information into a coherent whole.

Planning and Forecasting:

Develops a challenging but realistic plan for the sales goals and the group achievement of goals; Orchestrates plans with key departmental leaders; Develops accurate perceptions of the business needs; systematically evaluates alternative actions plans and/or problems and always has a contingency plan; Conclusions are supported by facts.

Systems Knowledge and Analytical Ability:

Possess and utilizes good working knowledge of applicable systems and resources; Able to read and analyze reports in a manner that enhances business results; Complies with and ensures compliance of all company procedures and systems.

Product:

Maintains a keen awareness of product knowledge; provides the stores with product knowledge, current trends, and design information; Provides support and direction for in-store merchandising and display; successfully conducts/supports buy.

Store Relationships:

Possesses an in-depth knowledge of each store and competition; continually seeks information from the stores and incorporates feedback; Maintains constant two-way communication; Demonstrates foresight in the development of projections by location.

Core Competencies for Position Level:

Integrity:

Takes responsibility for own actions; Maintains objective view in negative or emotional situations; Is optimistic; Effectively copes with and manages stress; Directly confronts issues and provides solutions; Demonstrates a passion for the business; Able to interpret the actions and behaviors of others; Develops accurate perceptions of the business needs.

Decision Making/Follow Through:

Makes decisions in a timely manner; Makes positive decision under pressure; Uses a systematic approach to problem solving; Seeks information from available sources to clarify a problem or issue; Communicates decisions consistently and reliably; Knows when to partner in the decision-making process; Deals effectively with ambiguity; Effectively weighs costs and risks

Assertiveness:

Exercises independent judgment; consistently confronts problems in an effective way; Defends ideas/opinions within reason and effectively; is willing to take significant challenges and risks to accomplish goals; Demonstrates self-confidence

Initiative:

Does more than is minimally required; Sets and maintains priorities; Generates solutions and actively participates in their implementation through to completion; Exhibits high motivation; Demonstrates a high sense of urgency; Seeks resources to improve results; Sets realistic goals and action plans; Insures initiative in subordinates

Time Management/Organization:

Uses time effectively; is productive; is detailed oriented and accurate; Handles multiple tasks/projects; Identifies problems/issues before they occur; Breaks down complicated tasks into manageable parts; systematically evaluates alternative actions/plans; always has a contingency plan.

Analytical:

Conclusions are supported by facts; Knows how to read and analyze reports and results; Integrates different information into a coherent whole; Writes reports/documentation in a timely and effective manner.

Communication:

Knows how and when to communicate; Listens effectively; possesses and uses effective written skills; Communicates with a sensitivity and understanding of the listeners needs, insuring comprehension; Possesses and uses effective verbal skills.

Relationships/Teambuilding:

Is able to establish good relationships with associates in all departments; Collaborates well with others; Exhibits enthusiasm and commitment to team; is approachable; Shares information and expertise; creates a positive work environment; Uses diplomacy and tact; Incorporates ideas of others; Demonstrates passion

Versatility/Flexibility:

Willing to follow new direction; is open to receiving feedback and uses feedback effectively; is able to adapt to unexpected events; Keeps an open mind.

Leadership/ Coaching:

Is able to influence the actions and opinions of others; Knows how to gain respect and cooperation; Develops training plans and insures effective training results; Provides consistent constructive feedback; Is patient with people as they learn; Recognizes and praises good work; Able to manage/work with associates of varied abilities; Reaches goals through the performance of others; Utilizes experience and expertise to assist others in achieving their goals

Knowledge of Responsibilities:

Exhibits thorough knowledge of positions requirements; Recognizes interrelationships and know how position relates to the organization; Learns quickly; Tracks and communicates market, seasonal and competitor trends; Insures the validity of information