Position Summary The Head of Merchandising is a strategic and analytical leader responsible for developing and executing the global merchandising strategy for RTW. This pivotal role bridges the creative vision of our design teams with the commercial needs of the business. The ideal candidate will possess a sophisticated understanding of the luxury market, a proven background in buying, and exceptional analytical skills. You will leverage data-driven insights to curate compelling product assortments that enhance brand equity, drive sales, and maximise profitability across all channels. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Planning & Analytics • Develop and implement the global merchandising strategy, defining the product roadmap and assortment architecture for each season and region. • Conduct in-depth analysis of sales data, market trends, customer behaviour, and competitive landscape to identify key opportunities and risks. • Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including sell-through, gross margin, inventory turn, and SKU productivity. • Partner with key departments to establish seasonal budgets, Open-to-Buy (OTB) plans, and accurate demand forecasts. • Translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations for senior leadership and cross-functional partners. 1. Product Assortment & Buying • Lead the curation of a balanced and commercially viable product assortment that aligns with the brand’s aesthetic and financial targets. • Act as the voice of the market, providing quantitative and qualitative feedback to the Design and Product Development teams to influence collection development from concept to launch. • Oversee the entire buying process, from seasonal collection sign-offs to final assortment quantification by channel (Retail, E-commerce, Wholesale). • Manage the product lifecycle, developing strategies for new launches, core product replenishment, and end-of-life inventory management. • Establish a global pricing architecture that reflects brand positioning, perceived value, and regional market dynamics. 1. Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration • Build and foster strong collaborative relationships with Design, Product Development, Marketing, E-commerce, Retail Operations, and Finance teams. • Ensure product strategy is cohesively communicated and executed across all consumer touchpoints, aligning with marketing campaigns and visual merchandising directives. • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of merchandisers and buyers, fostering a culture of analytical rigor, commercial acumen, and creative thinking. • Present seasonal strategies, business performance, and key learnings to the executive leadership team in a clear and compelling manner. 1. Inventory & Margin Management • Partner with Logistics to optimise inventory flow and stock levels across the global network to maximise full-price sales. • Analyse profitability at the category, style, and regional level to inform future assortment and pricing decisions. • Develop and execute a strategic and targeted markdown and promotional strategy to clear terminal stock while preserving brand integrity. Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. An MBA is a plus. • A minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in merchandising and buying within the luxury fashion industry. • At least 3 years in a leadership role, with proven experience managing a team. • A distinguished track record as a Senior Buyer or Head of Buying is essential. • Demonstrated expertise in leveraging data and analytics to drive significant commercial success. Skills & Attributes • Analytical Acumen: Advanced quantitative skills with the ability to analyse complex datasets and generate powerful insights. High proficiency in Microsoft Excel is mandatory; experience with planning systems is highly desirable. • Commercial Instinct: A sophisticated product sensibility and a deep, nuanced understanding of the luxury consumer, market trends, and competitive landscape. • Strategic Vision: The ability to think critically and develop long-term strategies while remaining agile and responsive to short-term market dynamics. • Leadership: An inspirational leader with a proven ability to build, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team. • Communication & Influence: Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate a clear vision and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization. • Collaborative Spirit: A team player who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. • Results-Oriented: A proactive and driven individual with a relentless focus on achieving and exceeding financial targets