Merchandising Director Cat. (Power Tools)

Summary

• Overall responsibility for strategic and tactical alignment in the responsible category.
• Responsible for the development & implementation of measures in the responsible category that support the business objectives while maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Responsibility for the performance of the responsible category.
• Ensure that merchandising teams and cross-functional departments work towards the set goals every day.
• Lead by example and coach teams to maximize work efficiency and achieve business goals.
• Be accountable for business measurability. This includes sales, profitability, Asia market share, delivery performance, quality of the articles and maintaining an efficient supplier pool.

What you'll do

• Own the management responsibility for the responsible category.
• Develop and establish strategies for the responsible category.
• Implementation of the objectives for the management area in accordance with the established corporate strategies and overarching objectives.
• In addition, the position is responsible for the budget of his/her responsible area.
• Personnel and technical management of several merchandise areas in the responsible category.
• Further development of the offer of own brands in the responsible category.
• Ensuring the innovative strength of profiling and mandatory categories in the responsible areas.
• Ensuring the top competitor articles in the product portfolio for the responsible category.
• Continuous analysis of the top competitors and derivation of relevant measures with market mappings.
• Responsible for and management of purchasing negotiations towards the customer and towards the factory, as well as ensuring the implementation of the negotiation results.
• Coordination, further development, and control of the Asian supplier network and ensuring optimal product availability.
• Further development of the performance of the supplier portfolio.
• Ensuring implementation of specifications and standards in the supply chain.
• Ensuring cooperation with Lidl international in any systematic analysis of market development and trends, evaluation, and implementation of relevant findings in the offer design.
• Fulfillment of customer expectations in terms of pricing, costs, quality, delivery performance from product development to FOB.
• Responsible for the end-to-end process within the responsible category. This includes decision-making, budget control, monitoring and performance in sales, negotiation, order tracking, operational excellence, and day-to-day operations of the merchandising team for the assigned product areas in accordance with the framework established by Lidl international and HQ Singapore.
• Responsible for the performance of the own category across production countries.
• Responsible for the selection of the right producers from sampling to order delivery.
• Manage different stakeholders within the supply chain to deliver the order in time. This includes our customers, suppliers, and teams across the company to maintain a smooth relationship as well as effective and efficient communication in everyday operations.
• Ensure compliance, risk management and direction adhere with the Company stated expectations and values.

What you'll need

• The position requires an academic degree and extensive practical knowledge through professional experience in retail business operations, preferably in European organizations.
• The position requires a comprehensive understanding of merchandising in their own specialty, but also related functions such as sourcing and product development.
• In-depth understanding of multiple product groups and their relevant suppliers, and if there is any potential risk.
• In-depth understanding of the relevant market dynamics and business expertise.
• Knowledge of the global purchasing processes.
• Broad experience in merchandising in various management positions in a strategic role.
• Ability to sell ideas at the board level, and to drive implementation with a focus on results.
• Ability to manage complexity, challenge the status quo, and drive consensus among key stakeholders.
• Ability to work with all levels of employees in Asia and Lidl international, and to drive changes in the organization.
• Strong project management and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and negotiating skills with internal and external contacts.
• Strong negotiator with commercial mindset and the ability to understand the bigger picture.
• Self-starter with entrepreneurial talent and resourceful when it comes to getting things done on time.
• Technical production knowledge, able to solve problems related to supply chain, quality, and in-time delivery.
• Excellent written and spoken English, knowledge of German or additional language skills are beneficial to liaise with German stakeholders.
• Willing to travel frequently.

What you'll receive

We are dedicated to fostering a family-friendly culture and work environment and we are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all candidates with the required skills and experience. We enable fair pay within the company by creating non-discriminatory salary systems.

Market Leading Remuneration Package:

• Double pay and discretionary bonus

• Choice of MPF provider

• Life Insurance

• Medical Insurance

Supportive Environment:

• Rental re-imbursement scheme

• Out-Of-Office leave for important appointments

• In-house training courses

• Training sponsorship scheme

• Health Check

• Vision Check

Work-Life Balance:

• 5 day week

• Competitive Annual Leave

• Charity, Community and Sporting Events