Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

• Lead / influence product collaboration with channels & conquer category opportunities in EMC countries based on consumer data, trends & local / global strategy


• Own regional category strategy tied to growth, margin, and brand direction and drive its execution through GTM process


• Responsible for creating the most efficient Omni channel range framework across EMC channels


• To lead and run the CTC Merchandising process (seasonal cycle) throughout EMC including Merchandising strategy and vision.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Category Direction

• Define and drive the EMC category and merchandising strategy, aligning global direction with local consumer, market, and channel needs


• Translate consumer insights, market trends, and competitive dynamics into actionable category plans and priorities


• Act as the market expert, influencing EM and Global stakeholders with EMC-specific opportunities and risks


• Challenge global frameworks where needed to ensure local relevance and commercial success

 

Range Architecture & Assortment Planning

• Develop and own the market range architecture strategy across categories, channels, and clusters


• Define article allocation and segmentation guidelines (price, concept, channel, category, gender) in alignment with EM and Global frameworks


• Lead assortment planning to ensure optimal balance between brand priorities, commercial performance, and consumer demand


• Optimize range productivity by managing breadth, depth, duplication, and efficiency across channels


• Drive key franchise and “big bet” selections to maximize impact and differentiation in the market

 

Pricing & Commercial Strategy

• Define and lead the market price architecture strategy across categories and channels


• Optimize pricing to balance brand positioning, competitiveness, and profitability


• Drive margin (GIM%) improvement through pricing, assortment, and segmentation decisions


• Align pricing strategies with consumer segmentation and channel roles

 

GTM Planning & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end GTM process across seasonal milestones (pre-season, sell-in, in-season, review)


• Ensure high-quality GTM plans and execution across categories, channels, and countries


• Drive sell-in excellence by aligning cross-functional stakeholders and improving range clarity and commercial storytelling


• Coordinate with EM HUB, BU, and channel teams to ensure consistent and effective execution


• Oversee forecasting processes and ensure accuracy and alignment across stakeholders

 

Performance Management & Insights

• Track and analyze sell-in and sell-through performance across categories, channels, and clusters


• Generate actionable insights and translate them into concrete business decisions and corrective actions


• Identify risks and opportunities early and drive in-season optimization actions


• Collaborate with Finance and Planning teams to align on Net Sales, volumes, and margin targets

 

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Align BU, Brand Activation, Sales, Finance, and Demand Planning teams to deliver a consistent, consumer-centric category strategy


• Act as the single category voice across functions, ensuring clarity and consistency in decision-making


• Resolve trade-offs between brand, commercial, and operational priorities to drive optimal business outcomes


• Lead collaboration with EM and Global stakeholders to ensure alignment and influence decision-making

 

Business Development & Growth Initiatives

• Identify and drive growth opportunities across categories, channels, and consumer segments


• Lead strategic initiatives such as responsiveness, value consumer strategies, and local relevance programs


• Contribute to long-term category and market expansion strategies

 

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing category management team


• Set clear objectives and drive accountability for business and functional outcomes


• Coach team members to strengthen strategic thinking, decision-making, and commercial acumen


• Foster a performance-driven, collaborative, and consumer-focused culture

 

Key Relationships:

• EM BU, CTC


• EMC Brand (Activation, OMNI, digital, SPOMA, MOPS)


• Country leads


• Demand Planning, SCM, Finance


• Sales (all channels)

 

KPI’s

• Net Sales and GIM%


• Share of search


• Sell-in & Sell-out


• Range efficiency

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 10+ years of experience in merchandising/product, marketing, sales/retail required. BU experience preferred


• University degree in Business or equivalent professional experience, ideally in Sales and/or Marketing preferred


• Previous experience in managing a global matrix organization required


• Sporting goods industry experience required


• Fluent in English


• Solid experience in attracting, hiring, developing and coaching a strong and talented team


• Has successfully built cohesive teams that have consistently stretched profit and business objectives


• Leading and managing a diverse team (incl. remote management)


• Strong presentation/communications and influencing skills


• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail