VP Central Merchandising, Product Strategy & Planning

We’re Pentland Brands; a dynamic, global family business, and proud owners and licensees of many iconic active and footwear brands. With a community of over 1,300 team members worldwide, we embrace diversity and inclusion, and champion growth and development. Our success is built on teamwork, courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

WHAT’S THE MISSION FOR THIS ROLE?

The VP of Central Merchandising will roll up the global merchandising strategy to ensure alignment between brand vision, product development, and market needs. This role will focus on establishing, monitoring and tracking benchmarks and KPIs to drive performance, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and promote innovative practices across the organisation.

By leveraging data-driven insights and collaboration, the VP will enhance product offerings and customer experience while prioritising sustainability and operational efficiency.

WHAT DOES THIS ROLE DO?

As our VP Central Merchandising, Product Strategy & Planning, you will be responsible for:

Global Roll-Up

• Align global and regional merchandising targets, KPIs, benchmarks, and reporting requirements to ensure consistent performance tracking and accountability across all functions.

Systems & Tools Development

• Facilitate the creation and circulation of merchandising systems, tools and best practices to all teams, ensuring effective collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Strategic Alignment

• Collaborate with Regional Merchandising leaders on the 3-5 year roadmaps for future product needs and merchandising strategies.
• Identify opportunities or risks across regionals, brands and markets. Support regional teams to deliver on global financial goals.

Product Development creation Oversight

• Oversee processes for product creation, including speed lanes and Special Make Ups (SMU), supporting timely and efficient product launches, including the opportunity for any incremental growth through either channel or market.

Sustainability Monitoring

• Track and report on sustainability targets, focusing on liability usage and material repurposing to drive environmentally responsible merchandising practices

Merchandising Community Building

• Establish and nurture a merchandising community that encourages collaboration, idea sharing, and the promotion of best practices across the organisation.

Innovation Support

• Research and implement innovative approaches to product merchandising, including the integration of digital solutions and AI to enhance decision-making and customer engagement.

Continuous Improvement Implementation

• Support the rollout of continuous improvement initiatives and tools within brands and regions, ensuring that merchandising processes evolve to meet changing market demand

Leadership, Team Development, Support, and Sustainability Advocacy

• Empower team members by delegating responsibilities, fostering ownership, and encouraging initiative.
• Create an inclusive environment that promotes collaboration among team members and across departments.
• Mentor and develop team members’ skills and careers, providing guidance and feedback.
• Foster a culture of continuous feedback, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and receiving constructive criticism.
• Lead the team to remain agile and adaptable in response to changing market dynamics or internal challenges.
• Facilitate the setting of clear, measurable goals for the team and aligning them with overall business objectives.

WHAT DO I BRING TO THE ROLE?

You just might be our next superstar if you have the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience in leading and developing merchandising strategies at a global or multi-regional level, with a strong ability to align diverse teams and functions toward common business objective.
• 10+ years of leading Merchandising, Planning or product strategy
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across various departments, fostering a culture of teamwork and ensuring alignment of merchandising efforts with broader business goals.
• Key “stakeholder engagement” across the organisation
• Understanding of the end-to-end seasonal process and experience with managing (and providing input) into the annual/seasonal corporate calendar and associated work-stream/Global processes.
• Experience in integrating innovative technologies and digital tools into merchandising processes, including familiarity with AI and e-commerce platforms, to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex pricing models and derive actionable insights, combined with advanced Excel proficiency (formulas, pivot tables, data visualization) and exceptional attention to detail for accurate pricing calculations and margin reviews.
• Effective problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot pricing discrepancies, paired with excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.

This role is suited for a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of merchandising strategies, a commitment to sustainability, and the ability to foster innovation and collaboration across diverse teams.

We want you to live our company principles, bringing a strong consumer focus, while always looking for ways to improve and grow in your role. Take ownership of your work and be proactive in solving problems whilst communicating openly and treating everyone with respect and kindness. And, of course, let your creativity shine by bringing your unique style and individuality to the Pentland Brands Team.

VP Central Merchandising, Product Strategy & Planning | Farringdon, London | Permanent, full time

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

• Competitive Salary + discretionary bonus
• 25 Days Holiday: Increases with length of service and the option to purchase additional days to suit your needs.
• Discounts: Brand discounts (including friends and family and JD Sports), Sample Sales, and other retail discounts and perks.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: Generous enhanced parental leave policies
• Health Perks: Choose from a variety of health-related perks including medical cash plan, critical illness cover, life assurance, gym and fitness discounts, dental insurance, eye care, and health screening to maintain your wellbeing.
• Travel Perks: Take advantage of our season ticket loan, cycle to work schemes, electric car schemes, and discounts on home charging units to support eco-friendly commuting.
• Flexible Working: We offer hybrid working and flexible working hours, allowing you to start your day earlier or later to help with commute costs or personal commitments.
• Chance to join our Charity, D&I and Sustainability employee networks.

As an equal opportunity employer, we’re committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive culture across our business, stores, and office environment.

We warmly welcome your application.