Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
The Manager: Buying is responsible for developing and executing consumer-centric product assortments that drive sales growth, profitability, and brand relevance across adidas Concept Stores through sales performance data, consumer insights, trend analysis, and market intelligence.
This position plays a critical role in shaping the commercial success of the Concept Store channel by delivering compelling assortments, optimizing inventory productivity, driving sell-through, and leading the execution of key brand campaigns and seasonal moments.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive compelling range selection for the cluster by balancing consumer, brand, and commercial considerations and supporting the overall channel business strategy.
- Deliver net sales and profitability by managing pricing, margin, FOBs, and category mix.
- Own product demand forecasting to accurately reflect consumer demand in the market.
- Drive cluster range enhancements that provide marketplace differentiation where required.
- Advocate for DTC needs in the go-to-market process to ensure strategy and product assortment are relevant for Concept Store consumers.
- Ensure effective product storytelling and monthly phasing.
- Work with Visual Merchandising to ensure visual appeal and execute brand campaigns and key moments.
- Manage the buying process, ensuring option counts and volumes align with market OTB and category plans.
- Lead the planning and execution of key campaigns and seasonal promotions.
- Review sales and stock to ensure in-season activity delivers planned sales, margin, and stock objectives.
- Manage NOOS and key product-line availability alongside the Planning Team.
- Contribute to improvements in allocation and replenishment techniques.
- Prepare markdowns within the given framework and in line with market and global strategy.
- Analyze market and competitor activity and pricing strategy.
- Monitor KPIs weekly and distribute merchandise reports to support decision-making.
- Manage the city tee program end to end.
- Manage additional category items that drive UPT.
- Review and action fact-based category input and feedback for stakeholders.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Category, Store Operations, and above-market functions.
Key Relationships
Cluster CTC EM Merchandising, Cluster Marketing, Supply Chain, Retail Team, Retail Back Office, Operations, and Store Managers.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Relevant job experience in a buying function.
- Strong competence with buying procedures and systems.
- Strong analytical and influencing skills.
- Structured, organized, and process-oriented approach.
- Attention to detail and ability to work in a team and high-pressure environment.
- Broad and deep theoretical understanding of buying principles.
- Advanced Excel skills.
Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum of 7 years' experience in Merchandising, Buying, Category Management, or a related retail commercial function.
- Relevant tertiary qualification.
- Experience in fashion, sportswear, apparel, footwear, or retail environments preferred.
- Demonstrated track record of delivering sales growth, profitability, and inventory productivity.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.
Culture and Inclusion
adidas fosters an athlete's mindset through courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect. The company is committed to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into its culture and talent processes.