SR Manager - Global Merchandising

American Eagle Outfitters • New York, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for leading the international product strategy for division of
oversight, as well as oversight of international exclusive product
development, for a commercially viable assortment which services the needs of
all international markets, in collaboration with both the US and
International teams
Responsible for the execution of seasonal go-to-market process for
international partners for division of oversight
Manages a team who are the product engine between the US CFT (merchandising,
design, and production) and INTL CFT (commercial, planning, marketing & geo
teams) for division of oversight  -  to drive strategy, innovation, and the
development of trend right, on-brand and commercial product offering across
all price segments in parallel with the US.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or equivalent required
• 7+ years prior buying, merchandising or product development experience
• 4+ years’ experience as a manager 
• Strong business acumen and strategic agility
• Proven ability to support growth in a very fast paced, growing environment 
• Problem solver – talented in looking beyond the page and solve to multiple business model complexities
• Product development experience and an eye for relevant trends 
• Intermediate Excel skills including pivots, V look ups
• Cross culture sensitivity – international experience a plus, and is able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment
• Action orientated with excellent attention to detail, deadlines & reporting
• Flexibility to work outside of standard U.S. business hours 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to present and influence leadership, even at the C-level
• International travel is required

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in matrixed organizational structures a plus
• Experience working with franchise, license or JV partners is preferred 

Responsibilities

• Partners with leaders of Merchandising, Design & Production to ensure international product strategies are in line with overall business strategy and topline financial goals
• Partners with international commercial, planning, marketing & geography teams, as well as license merchandising, on business opportunities related to product; catering assortments based on customer profile, market trends and localized product nuances
• Ensures product assortments by market are commercially viable and aligned with AE Brands’ seasonal vision: In partnership with License Merchandising, leads seasonal buy conversations during international market through an innate understanding of the market, the business goals and overall assortment strategy Ensures product development execution meets international assortment needs across all elements (timing, cost, commercial aesthetic)
• Management and oversight of the AE International Merchandising team for division of oversight, who –  Manage the assortment execution and delivery to international partners  Manages the seasonal calendar and process, influencing the AE brand partners to approach through a global mindset  Manages the G2M process in collaboration with cross-functional partners, to maximize and drive brand engagement 
• Owns the seasonal product roadmap for all International markets 
• Collaboratively works with the AE cross functional team to understand seasonal design direction, leading product ideas, and trend
• Identifies key item opportunities to grow the business through product testing and hindsight
• Understands regional business trends with the support of the geography and License Merch to ensure key business drivers are available to support the business
• Innovate through trend ideas which allow AEO to lead and compete within the global market
• Partner with CFT and partners to brief programs for peak international business opportunities by market, ex:  CNY
• Build climate or cultural requirements by market into the strategy
• Clear understanding of AEO market presence globally through store and market visits, understanding of international competition and pricing architecture
• Identification of gaps within the existing assortment architecture and pricing strategy utilizing competitive analysis and resources
• Leads, motivates and inspires a culture of inclusion, and diversity of thought within the team
• Exhibits the right mix of art-science in order to balance assortment strategy with financial goals, and strategic brand development in the region
• Exemplify AEO values in day-to-day work - empowers the team and calculated risk taking, inspires curiosity, drives results and builds trust 
• Consistently and effectively communicates business related issues to manager in a timely manner
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees