Merchandising Director - Home Textile & Living

Summary

•    Overall responsibility for strategic and tactical alignment in the responsible categories.
•    Responsible for the development & implementation of measures in the responsible categories that support the business objectives while maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.
•    Responsibility for the performance of the responsible categories.
•    Ensure that merchandising teams and cross-functional departments work towards the set goals every day.
•    Lead by example and coach teams to maximize work efficiency and achieve business goals.
•    Be accountable for business measurability. This includes sales, profitability, Asia market share, delivery performance, quality of the articles and maintaining an efficient supplier pool.
 

What you'll do

•    Own the management responsibility for the responsible categories.
•    Develop and establish strategies for the responsible categories.
•    Implementation of the objectives for the management area in accordance with the established corporate strategies and overarching objectives.
•    In addition, the position is responsible for the budget of his/her responsible area.
•    Personnel and technical management of several merchandise areas in the responsible categories.
•    Further development of the offer of own brands in the responsible categories.
•    Ensuring the innovative strength of profiling and mandatory categories in the responsible areas.
•    Ensuring the top competitor articles in the product portfolio for the responsible categories.
•    Continuous analysis of the top competitors and derivation of relevant measures with market mappings.
•    Responsible for and management of purchasing negotiations towards the customer and towards the factory, as well as ensuring the implementation of the negotiation results.
•    Coordination, further development, and control of the Asian supplier network and ensuring optimal product availability.
•    Further development of the performance of the supplier portfolio.
•    Ensuring implementation of specifications and standards in the supply chain.
•    Ensuring cooperation with Lidl international in any systematic analysis of market development and trends, evaluation, and implementation of relevant findings in the offer design.
•    Fulfillment of customer expectations in terms of pricing, costs, quality, delivery performance from product development to FOB.
•    Responsible for the end-to-end process within the responsible categories. This includes decision-making, budget control, monitoring and performance in sales, negotiation, order tracking, operational excellence, and day-to-day operations of the merchandising team for the assigned product areas in accordance with the framework established by Lidl international and HQ Singapore.
•    Responsible for the performance of the own categories across production countries.
•    Responsible for the selection of the right producers from sampling to order delivery.
•    Manage different stakeholders within the supply chain to deliver the order in time. This includes our customers, suppliers, and teams across the company to maintain a smooth relationship as well as effective and efficient communication in everyday operations.
•    Ensure compliance, risk management and direction adhere with the Company stated expectations and values.
 

What you'll need

•    The position requires an academic degree and extensive practical knowledge through professional experience in retail business operations, preferably in European organizations.
•    The position requires a comprehensive understanding of merchandising in their own specialty, but also related functions such as sourcing and product development.
•    In-depth understanding of multiple product groups and their relevant suppliers, and if there is any potential risk.
•    In-depth understanding of the relevant market dynamics and business expertise.
•    Knowledge of the global purchasing processes.
•    Broad experience in merchandising in various management positions in a strategic role.
•    Ability to sell ideas at the board level, and to drive implementation with a focus on results.
•    Ability to manage complexity, challenge the status quo, and drive consensus among key stakeholders.
•    Ability to work with all levels of employees in Asia and Lidl international, and to drive changes in the organization.
•    Strong project management and analytical skills.
•    Strong interpersonal skills and negotiating skills with internal and external contacts.
•    Strong negotiator with commercial mindset and the ability to understand the bigger picture.
•    Self-starter with entrepreneurial talent and resourceful when it comes to getting things done on time.
•    Technical production knowledge, able to solve problems related to supply chain, quality, and in-time delivery.
•    Excellent written and spoken English, knowledge of German or additional language skills are beneficial.
•    Willing to travel frequently.
 

What you'll receive

We are dedicated to fostering a family-friendly culture and work environment and we are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all candidates with the required skills and experience.

 
Market Leading Remuneration Package:

• Double pay and discretionary bonus
• Choice of MPF provider
• Life Insurance

• Medical Insurance
   

Supportive Environment:

• Rental re-imbursement scheme
• Flexible work arrangements
• In-house training courses
• Training sponsorship scheme
• Health Check
• Vision Check

Work-Life Balance:

• 5 day week
• Competitive Annual Leave
• Charity, Community and Sporting Events