Merchandising Director Category (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.

 
Market Leading Remuneration Package:

• 13 months pay and discretionary bonus
• Choice of MPF provider
• Life Insurance

• Medical Insurance
   

Supportive Environment:

• Rental re-imbursement scheme
• Flexible work arrangements
• 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