Vans: Manager, Merchandising, Wholesale Apparel

Wholesale Merchandise Manager, Apparel & Accessories

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live "Off The Wall" embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday's "Off The Wall" moment is today's new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.

A day in the life of a Wholesale Merchandise Manager, Apparel & Accessories at Vans looks a little like this.

Reporting to the Director of DTC and Wholesale Apparel and Accessories Merchandising, the Merchandise Manager is responsible for driving the total business for their respective categories in the Wholesale channel in the Americas. The Merchandise Manager is responsible for strategic assortment planning, sell-in to account teams, partnership with internal Wholesale teams, and being a marketplace expert for their particular region. This person will lead effective partnerships with Wholesale teams, external Account teams, Planning, and Marketing to deliver "right product, right stores, right time."

Responsibilities include:

• Partner with Director to develop and manage regional line architecture and assortment strategies for the Wholesale business, inclusive of franchise and life cycle management.
• Create curated Wholesale assortments that will enable regional commercial execution and align to brand and marketing objectives.
• Partner with Director to craft and execute marketplace strategy for Wholesale that connects to the long-term merchandise financial plans as well as brand and marketing strategies.
• Support Director in preparing for and presenting at seasonal GTM milestones, including to external account teams. Gain alignment on strategy and assortment execution from key regional stakeholders through relevant data analysis, strong influencing, and effective communication skills. Ensure curated assortments come to life in wholesale accounts.
• Effective in-season management of marketplace strategy. Work with Wholesale Planning counterparts to deliver financial targets and make final promotion and markdown decisions in alignment with global guidelines.
• Constantly monitor consumer demand trends, using insights to shape planning and assortment decisions. Execute ad-hoc reporting and analysis to support seasonal product assortment decision-making.
• Support team with impactful recaps and performance driving takeaways in all settings.
• Coaches and develops Merchandising team to strengthen team capabilities and drive executional excellence

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you'll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 8-10 years of experience and professional achievements.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• 6-8 years' experience in retail in a merchant or buying role
• Bachelor's degree qualified (Business, commerce preferred)
• Experience working with external or wholesale accounts highly desirable
• Mastery of retail mathematics and Open to Buy
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret multiple data points across numerous channels and market segments
• Proven ability to work with and lead a cross functional team
• Excellent sense of style and color trends
• Excellent communication skills - interpersonal, written and verbal
• Entrepreneurship an ability to make decisions and take calculated risks
• Focus on creating an extraordinary customer experience
• Organizational and time management skills
• Strong knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Self-awareness, with a desire for constant self-improvement (goal oriented)
• Travel for this role is expected - up to 20%.
• Location requirement: ideal candidate will reside within Southern California region and be in office in Costa Mesa, CA, 3-4 days every week.

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

• 2+ years of managing direct reports

What do we offer you?

At Vans, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you. That is why we make a commitment to support and grow our people. We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity. Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do.

To learn more about Vans' benefits package, follow this link.

To learn more about Vans' Diversity and Inclusion efforts, go to www.vans.com.

Now WE have a question for YOU. Are you in?

Hiring Range: $90,720.00 USD - $113,400.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.