Director, Merchandising - Ready-to-Wear (Maternity Cover)

Michael Kors Stores California; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global fashion retailer seeks a Director of Merchandising to lead strategic initiatives in their London office. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in merchandising leadership and strong analytical skills. Responsibilities include developing seasonal merchandising plans, collaborating across channels, and managing a team. This role offers a dynamic work environment with a focus on inclusion and career growth.

Benefits

Career Growth

Work-Life Balance & Flexibility

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Exclusive Employee Perks

Impact & Social Responsibility

Pension Contribution

Season Loan Tickets

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Private Health and Dental

Gym Discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive proven experience in merchandising leadership within a related business.
• Strong analytical capability with advanced Excel proficiency.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage senior executives.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal strategic merchandising plans including demand & range plans.
• Partner across channels to deliver balanced, profitable assortments.
• Manage seasonal strategy and support go-to-market preparation.

Skills

Merchandising leadership

Analytical capability

Communication skills

Team leadership

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Michael Kors is always interested in hearing from talented globally‑minded individuals with a passion for fashion. If you enjoy working in a creative fast‑paced environment, we would love to hear from you!

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Merchandising – Ready‑to‑Wear (Maternity Cover) based in our London office.

Who You Are

The Omnichannel Merchandising Director serves as the key link between Global Merchandising and the EMEA regional teams, ensuring collections reflect local needs while staying aligned with brand strategy. This role is responsible for building product frameworks, optimizing pricing, and delivering relevant assortments across channels to achieve and exceed financial objectives.

The ideal candidate is a master assortment builder with strong product sensibility, deep knowledge of the competitive landscape, and the ability to identify commercial risks and opportunities.

Beyond commercial results, the Director is expected to foster a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration.

What You’ll Do

• Develop seasonal strategic merchandising plans including demand & range plans, price architecture, and margin strategy.
• Partner across channels and regions to deliver balanced, profitable assortments tailored to specific EMEA market needs.
• Manage seasonal strategy, showroom setup, and sales tools; support go‑to‑market preparation with selling tools, sales presentations, and alignment meetings.
• Own IMU and CNB seasonal targets, ensuring alignment with global guidelines; create regional pricing strategy and ensure compliance with margin goals.
• Partner cross‑functionally with key business units (Buying, Planning, VM, Marketing, Digital) to ensure cohesive product messaging for key seasonal pushes & strategy.
• Lead Omni‑strategy meetings: seasonal plans, MD strategy, and product lifecycle.
• Work closely with Global Merchandising—develop EMEA‑specific line plans, product reviews, sample orders, and EMEA business reviews.
• Lead pre‑ and post‑season merchandising analytical activities (e.g., hindsight reviews, scorecards).
• Collaborate with Planning to develop actionable analysis and recap business performance, providing analytical reporting on product and business trends & identifying under‑penetrated growth areas.
• Conduct regular competitive analysis to benchmark performance and identify opportunities.
• Partner with Inventory Control on liquidation strategies.
• Manage the Merchandising team, supporting team members’ growth & development.
• Share best practices and drive topline process efficiencies across divisions.

You’ll Need to Have

• Extensive proven experience in merchandising leadership within a related business.
• Strong analytical capability with advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and Word proficiency.
• Excellent product sensibility and commercial acumen.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage senior executives.
• Demonstrated initiative, ownership, and accountability for business outcomes.
• Agility and urgency in responding to market shifts.
• Strong team leadership and multi‑tasking ability.

MK Perks

A purpose‑driven workplace where you can grow your career, enjoy flexible benefits, and be part of a culture built on inclusion, impact, and recognition.

• Career Growth – Clear paths for progression, leadership opportunities, and mentorship programs to help you thrive.
• Work‑Life Balance & Flexibility – Support for your well‑being with flexible work options and generous time‑off policies.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Be part of an inclusive culture recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Diversity.
• Exclusive Employee Perks – Enjoy discounts on premium products and luxury brands.
• Impact & Social Responsibility – Contribute to global and local causes through volunteer days, sustainability programs, and charitable giving.
• Pension Contribution
• Season Loan Tickets
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Private Health and Dental
• Gym Discounts

Michael Kors is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to inclusivity regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally‑recognized protected basis.