RETAIL MERCHANDISING DIRECTOR ITALY & GREECE

GENERAL ROLE

The Retail Merchandising Director is the product and market specialist and as such develops analysis, business and merchandising strategies in order to maximize business opportunities and growth potential in close cooperation with Retail Director, Finance Director, Store Managers and Paris teams.

This position is part of the management committee of Hermes Italie and Greece, based at the Head Office in Milan. As such, this position takes part in the definition of the strategy for the region and supports its implementation. It is a leadership role representing the values and ambitions of Hermès and Hermès Italie and Greece.

The scope of very different stores as well as the complexity of Hermès product offer and its availability makes the Retail Merchandising function a key part of the business.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in complex and dynamic Retail Merchandising and Buying environments in an international context.   

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES 

CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUSTAINABLE COMMERCIAL SUCCESS OF THE REGION

Define and implement the product strategy for Hermès Italie and Greece

• Closely work with MD and Retail Director to create a coherent product strategy;
• Maintain competitive intelligence to keep track of Hermès positioning in terms of product offer.

Drive topline forecast & monitor performance

• Contribute to the construction of topline budgets and forecasts;
• Develop and maintain performance dashboards to monitor Métiers evolution in store;
• Identify risks & opportunities with relevant balance between acceptable risk & responsible caution.

Drive stock management strategy

• Together with Finance and Retail Directors, define stock levels;
• Closely monitor level & quality of stock & sell through and propose product transfers;
• Alert on stock issues to reduce financial impact of depreciating goods.

Manage product supply process

• Define buying strategy (new & permanent collections) with MD and Retail Director;
• Define buying budgets with Retail and Finance Directors;
• Animate buying sessions;
• Accompany each store in their buyings;
• Monitor reorder processes;
• Seize opportunities of available stock relevant for our stores;
• Ensure balance of deliveries between stores and product availability for events & window animations;
• Define seasonal product animation plans involving training, Visual Merchandising & client experience.

Monitor the destocking operations as a joint activity with Retail Ops and Finance Department

• Make sure that all delisted products are returned to Paris;
• Be proactive in easing sell out of depreciated stock in partnership with Finance and Retail teams.

VISUAL MERCHANDISING AND COMMERCIAL ANIMATIONS IN STORE

• Foster an inspiring, modern and commercial visual identity for the region’s retail network;
• Transcribe the spirit of the collections and create attractive in-store displays in line with Hermès product strategy, enhancing novelties and craftsmanship;
• Be a key partner for all commercial animations from a Merchandising and VM perspective as a joint activity with CX and stores.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

• Ensure a climate of empowerment and well-being, fostering individual & collective progress;
• Ensure that style, behavior and performance of the whole team are in line with excellence Hermès required and high ethical values;
• Give & encourage regular feedback.

BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

• Work transversally with management committee, leading the region as a united force and in a positive mindset while being a constructive counterpart and challenging others when relevant;
• Be an inspiring leader injecting positive energy & showing exemplarity;
• Create strong links and be an active member of the European and International communities.

PROFILE

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree preferably with economic/analytic/fashion and management focus;
• Fluency in Italian and English. French will be considered an advantage;
• Professional background: solid managerial retail merchandising and buying experience, in different international contexts and preferably in luxury environment;
• Proficient with Excel / IT tools;
• Compassionate management, ensuring efficiency and teamwork, in line with Hermès' humanistic values;
• Solid managerial experience & leading by example;
• Strategic vision and open mindset to be a true Business Partner and Business Driver;
• Analytical skills and a particular appetite for defining strategies;
• Real situational intelligence, excellent sense of priorities, and high adaptability.

Hermès engages positive and passionate people who own the following requirements:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer service orientation;
• Team player mentality to build meaningful relationships and ability to work autonomously;
• Availability, flexibility and dynamism to function in a high-pace environment;
• Determined to be part of a people centric retail project, for which is required vocation for human values, passion and a strong aesthetic sense.