Manager, Merchandising, Watches & Jewelry | HK Talent Engage

Job description

After more than 50 years in the travel retail industry, DFS is recognized as a leading luxury shopping destination for the world traveler. Throughout our history, we have nurtured the relationships built with our customers, our brand partners and our employees. As the luxury and travel retail industry has developed over time, so too has our ability as an organization to adapt – a phenomenon that can be traced to the inspiring people at DFS.

OUR PROMISE is to be The World Traveler’s Preferred Destination for Luxurious Shopping.

Job Description

We are seeking a seasoned Merchandise Manager to lead and drive a team in our evolving Merchandising Department. You will make important decisions and be responsible for developing and managing the category / department strategy, assortment plans and vendor relations. You will also look after the private & exclusive product development, retail price management, seasonal merchandise sales plans, promotional planning to achieve our financial objectives. You will report to the Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager (GMM), while working closely with the Planning Manager, Communication Coordinator and Product Sales Manager.

Category and Assortment Strategy

• Lead the Merchandise Team in formulating and executing assortment strategy
• Identify and grow emerging brands for our core customers
• Drive and execute brands’ floor space planning and allocation for all key locations
• Determine seasonal transition and appropriate promotional strategies
• Monitor sales performance on newly developed products, determine further sales opportunities based on results; select/delete assortments as appropriate
• Evaluate ongoing sales performance with Senior Vice President GMM, brand partners, planning team, division and the distribution merchandising team
• Interpret spending trends of Japanese, Chinese and local consumers <<adjust when needed>>

Achieve Financial Targets

• Partner with the Planning Manager to monitor overall inventory levels
• Develop financial objectives and targets for the team that focus on category, brand growth and profitability
• Identify and evaluate sales and gross margin opportunities at the department level

People Development

• Identify, recruit, and develop the Merchant Team
• Encourage and support the development of talents; offer honest and constructive feedback to direct reports and business partners to foster people development

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or above
• Minimum 5 years’ merchandising experience, with a background in buying and/or planning
• Have financial and analytical merchandising experience
• Experience in the luxury market and international business preferred
• Internationally mobile for career advancement opportunities, likely to Hong Kong or other major Asia-Pacific cities
• Able to travel up to 12 weeks per year
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to work well with personnel at various levels
• Solid communication skills, comfortable in making high level presentations
• Proficient in both spoken and written English

DFS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy and practice to employ, promote and treat all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications and competency and to provide all employees with a workplace that is free of discrimination. Employment decisions are based on qualifications such as education, work experience and talent, and are made without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any other basis protected by law.