Role & Responsibilities:

As part of the Product team at Timberland, lead the Product Merchandising in Japan to become the center of excellence on product, marketplace, retail and consumer reality.

Responsible to drive APAC Product Merchandising plans that reflect business needs in the local market. Create LRP(5Y financial plan and goals) and MFP(2Y)  product strategy that will fulfill the business in Japan.Be the most knowledgeable about the consumer and consumer needs/trends to ignite energy into the market through product. Define any business opportunities from local Consumer and Partner Customer insights, to create briefs to address the demand and needs.  Briefs for TDC(Tokyo Design Collection) a collection which is driven by local inspiration, style and design.  Also briefs for Local partner SMU and Collabs to feed into GTM process to answer and or create demand from marketplace. Support APAC to build assortment by channel.Work with APAC MD team to build seasonal assortment plan for each commercial channel. DTP and DTC.  Based on history and to align with LRP/MFP

Key Result Areas:

Provide Financial & Product input into Global Seasonal planning process.IProduct Assortment: Work with Global/APAC to build product strategy and assortment, based on Segmentation of Consumer, Territory, Channel & TierProvide accurate and detailed briefs in order for APAC and global team to execute and deliver.Manage the entire lifecycle of strategic product line planning, execution, margin and pricing architecture of inline/Japan SMU.Manage SKU productivity and efficiency to targeted goals while balancing APAC regional, channel and account specific needs.Understand Japan marketplace competitors to ensure merchandise for Timberland to grow and gain market share.Identify growth opportunities of assigned territory, big trends and ideas as well as driving global alignment and effectiveness of the assortment across DTC (B&M, ECOM) and DTP (Wholesale & Distributor). Capture local growth opportunities & Business gap through partner with Design teams (Tokyo, APAC, and Global) and APAC Product Development teams to create products which sit under ONE Global seasonal design direction and framework.Be an active partner in Japan key and ENERGY accounts meetings, to support the creation of Energy Collaborations and Japan SMU that resonate with Brand storytelling strategy and business prioritiesProvide key input in key calendar meetings to facilitate decision making to be inline with Go-To-Market Calendar.  Ensure product, flow, sourcing, order management and revenue.Partner with Marketing on the development of programs and strategies to communicate product attributes, flow, appeal.QA: Follow up on delivering high quality product by working with APAC and global product quality assurance to improve the level of quality of the product.  Help build and identify thresholds and demands of quality from the local consumer.

Competency Requirements :

Behavioral Competencies -

Strong understanding of Japan marketplace, including regional differences and channels of distribution.Ability to play an integral role within a cross-functional team, to build consensus, connect department and individual expectations to the company vision, and achieve result. Assure solid GTM schedule alignment, incorporate local needs within the framework.Build Good communication and teamwork with external/internal stakeholdersSolid negotiation skills and superior ability to influence areas outside of direct controlBusiness acumen in channel distribution, gross sales, sell-out performance margin, profit, and inventory.Able to successfully operate in areas of uncertainty and ambiguity.Result-driven and strong motivation to succeed; self-starter and quick learner; calm and efficient under pressure.Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize.

Functional Competencies –

Computer/Software Applications: Microsoft Office Suite – Very strong Excel & PowerPoint knowledge required.  Illustrator skill is nice to have.  Analytical mind-set with strong knowledge of retail/apparel industry and keen eye for style and trends.Strong motivation and business acumen to grow the business through excellent productConsumer first/focus lensDeep understanding of streetwear and local fashion trend, expression, competitor’s landscapeExperience in project planning, combined with knowledge of retail sales analysisExperience in product creation (a plus).Understanding of product development and manufacturing process

Experience

Minimum Relevant Experience: 3 years of experience in branded merchandise/development, retail buying or product design/development; experience in Outdoor, Streetwear, or Sportswear apparel/footwear in Asia/Japan 

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