Director, Global Merch. Planning, Outlet Leathergoods

Coach is a global fashion house founded in New York in 1941. The Director, Global Merchandise Planning for Outlet Leathergoods will create financial assortment and line planning framework in collaboration with Global Merchandising and business unit partners throughout all phases of the product life cycle, including pre-season product line planning and in-season global trend analysis that inform the global assortment complexion. The successful individual will leverage their proficiency to: Lead team of 3 product experts overseeing Women’s & Men’s Bags, Small Leathergoods & Specialty Accessories Guide the team in building short & long range product targets for topline sales & IMU based on current trends and overall strategy to achieve topline financial goals Define and rank seasonal bestsellers in collaboration with merchandising partners that bridge back to topline category sales, IMU and aur targets Create optimal sku count targets that fuel productivity benchmarks by category, silhouette and platform by season Provide volume assumptions for new silhouettes and key launches Champion key product strategies and investments across markets, leveraging consumer focused analysis & strong business partnerships to influence business unit investment Build actionable strategies around risks and opportunities identified in the global business with the cross functional partners Guide investment depth to optimize sales upside and inventory excess risk on key product launches and marketing styles Influence size of investments to ensure healthy stock position in core drivers and optimal consumer experience Recommend actionable strategic plans in reaction to sales trend that inform end of life and inventory re-routing and sharing across markets, or global chase opportunities based on early reads The accomplished individual will possess: Strong leadership skills, executive presence and business acumen Interpersonal savvy and ability to partner with and influence peers, members of cross-functional team and senior management Foster effective teamwork and collaboration with key business partners (i.e. Global Merchandising, Product Development, Brand Operations, Supply Ops, and Business Unit buying teams) Demonstrates high degree of agility and resilience, results driven Define and effectively communicate, roles, ownership and stakeholders for key shared deliverables Develop talent with managerial courage, providing direct and actionable positive and correct feedback to others; shares wins and successes with the whole team Attract, retain, and engage a high performance team by fostering a collaborative learning environment, celebrating accomplishments, and engaging in open 360 communication An outstanding professional will have: College Degree 8+ years of experience in planning, buying, strategy, or business analytics in the retail industry or related field Minimum of 2 years of people management experience preferred Excellent problem solving and analytical skills Superior written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with senior management Must demonstrate strong initiative; and agility to flex across shifting priorities and multiple projects Strong degree of accountability, and attention to detail Excellent Microsoft Excel / technical skills; experience in Microsoft PowerPoint Experience with MicroStrategy or other BI reporting tools is a plus Our Competencies for All Employees Courage: Doesn’t hold back anything that needs to be said; provides current, direct, complete, and “actionable” positive and corrective feedback to others; lets people know where they stand; faces up to people problems on any person or situation (not including direct reports) quickly and directly; is not afraid to take negative action when necessary. Dealing with Ambiguity: Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn’t upset when things are up in the air; doesn’t have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.