Merchandising Manager Footwear Lifestyle

About us:

Diadora has been in the market for over 70 years and has helped write some of the greatest stories in the history of sport.

Located in the footwear district of Montebelluna, internationally renowned for expertly crafted sports shoes and home to some exceptional niche products, it has made craftsmanship, innovation and authenticity the key values at the heart of its sports and lifestyle collections.

Today, Diadora is present in more than 60 markets worldwide and continues to expand thanks to a vast array of cutting-edge performance-focused products, with its running, football and tennis lines and fashion products, with its premium Heritage and Sportswear line

Main Responsibilities

Mission of the Role

• Reporting directly to the Merchandising Director, the Footwear Merchandising Manager for Sportswear & Heritage will be responsible for leading the global product strategy. You will bridge the gap between creative vision and commercial viability, ensuring that the footwear range maximizes business opportunities across all distribution channels while achieving rigorous margin and growth targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Range Architecture: Develop the global range architecture to maximize business opportunities across all distribution channels, ensuring targets and gross price margins are met for all categories.
• Line Planning: Build comprehensive line plans according to category strategic direction and business expectations, utilizing brand key stories and detailed sell-out analysis.
• Efficiency & Lifecycle: Drive line and SKU efficiency throughout the franchise lifecycle of various silhouettes.
• Market Execution: Execute merchandising strategies and assortment plans to best commercialize the product line based on effective go-to-market strategies by distribution channel and tier.
• Financial Accountability: Deliver profitability at the gross margin level through accurate pricing, product mix, and precise forecasting for the category.
• Cross-functional Partnership: Partner with Product Development during collection development to align with price positioning and target costs.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor turnover and margins through specific dedicated KPIs and data analysis.
• Market Intelligence: Identify market size, business trends, and competitor activities per category, channel, and price point.Leadership:

Lead, coach, and train direct reports to foster a high-performing merchandising team

Key Requirements

• 5-8+ years of industry experience in footwear lifestyle, with a proven track record in product planning and sales forecasting.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics or an equivalent field is required.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of account segmentation, range architecture, product assortments, concept drivers, and product flow.
• Analytical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Excel, data analysis, and monitoring turnover/margins through specific KPIs.
• Soft Skills: Strong leadership, flexibility, and superior problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Communication: Exceptional presentation and storytelling skills.
• Language: Fluent in English.

Compensation & Classification

• Salary Range : €45.000 - €50.000
• Collective Bargaining Agreement : CCNL Calzature - Industria

The final offer and classification level may vary based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, such as the candidate's skills, seniority, professional background, and job qualifications.

Why work with us?

This is an incredible opportunity to become part of a dynamic company that will spark interest, inspire and offer an extraordinary experience in sports and lifestyle through its passion and technological innovation and the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship. You will get the opportunity to learn, think and grow, while expressing your personality and talent.

We firmly believe that diversity in all its forms – gender, colour, age, race, nationality, culture, religious belief, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability – enriches the workplace. This is why we strive to create a diverse workforce.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.