Retail Buyer – The North Face EMEA

The North Face is looking for an outstanding Retail Buyer to join our team in Stabio, Switzerland.

How you will make the difference:

• Create exciting product ranges, considering multiple key attributes for range optimisation and high customer experience for all channels

• Develop Consumer Centric Assortments for the different Store Profiles

• Supporting the development of the product flow strategy

• Analyze past season performance to support new season strategy 

• Collect feedback from the stores/ecomm to identify market specific opportunities & risks

• Establish key relationships with Product Merchandising team, in order to actively influence EMEA assortments to fit the needs of DTC, communicating key product direction and trends

• Responsibility for developing and maintaining an in-depth, customer focused knowledge of varying markets and trends across all DTC channels

• Initiate product brief, assortment planning, forecasting, buy execution, meeting financial targets and deadlines  

• Partners with DTC planning to analyse In-season departmental performance, to monitor and control trade and identify actionable opportunities

• Works with Retail Marketing & eComm Merchandising to define strategies and guidelines

• Responsible for arranging and presenting to various audiences for conferences /key meetings as required

• Demonstrating effective communication across all areas of the business in order to develop and maintain strong working relationships at all levels

• Operates an effective and timely product sign off process

• Maintain buy plan and have accuracy/consistency in all related documents

What do you need to succeed?
 

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and /or abilities required for the individual to be successful in this position.

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience with awareness of current and future trends, knowledge of brands appropriate to target market and understanding movement

• Bachelor's degree in Retail, Merchandising or other related field and/or related experience preferred

• Fluent in English. Other languages will be a plus

• Willing to travel 20% of the time

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products, above all Excel

• Strong business and financial analysis skills as well as retail math knowledge, including elements of mark up, margin, open to buy, GMROI

• Own the merchandising strategies and buy for in store and online

• Strong trend analysis and problem-solving skills

• Decision Making, Commercial awareness, Planning and Organizing, Networking, Influencing, and Negotiation skills

• Collaborative, contributing to team success, Communication

• Driving for results, open to change, works well under pressure, keen attention to detail

What's in it for you?

• Be part of iconic lifestyle brands

• Join a multi brand and multi countries organization to drive you career forward

• International and challenging working culture

• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives

• 50% discount on all VF brands

• Subsidised canteen as well as break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks
   

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity 

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.