Category Management Specialist

Purpose:

Support the Category manager in defining local short and medium-term objectives for the respective category. Implements global & hub GTM strategies in a locally relevant way, considering different consumer needs and distribution channels. Drives cross-functional marketing execution. Influences the development of global GTM strategies through providing clear and relevant commercial input in terms of local consumer needs, market particularities, and channel needs. Collaborates regularly with global and hub counter parts to identify business opportunities in the market and to maximize net sales and profitability (within global and hub strategic parameters) and drive end to end Category Management process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivers a complete local category range plan (range selection, local pricing, Go-in margin, forecasting, phasing, segmentation and campaign execution.)
• Defines the Turkey category range within guidelines by Global & Hub Business Unit (BU)
• Prepare and analyze reports by providing and consolidating data and by using analytical skills and know-how.
• Provide input into the overall seasonal, annual and strategic business plan for the category.
• Follows in season brand calendar with related teams (Supply Chain, Channel Leads, Brand Activation and Omni Channel) and takes actions for execution of the calendar.
• Establish product segmentation strategy for related categories & accounts.
• Coordinates sell-in process for upcoming season and makes preparation for sell-in tools (Showroom preparation, sell-in presentations etc.)
• Manages expectations of channels / accounts for the gaps in the market. Creates tactical price point products, exclusive offers in channel/account base.
• Follows inventory and keeps the communication with related teams to catch the company target for a sustainable level of inventory.
• Analyses the orderbook for upcoming season, defines action points and works with channels to secure the priorities of upcoming season

Key Relationships:

• Turkey adidas Brand Team
• EM Turkey Channel Teams (DTC, e-Com, Wholesale)
• EM Hub BU and CTC
• EM Turkey, SCM
• EM Turkey Demand Planning

KPIs:

• Brand Health KPIS (Brand momentum, Net Promoter Score, Spontaneous purchase intent, etc.)
• Net Sales, Gross Margin%, Share of Category, Gender split
• Orderbook Development
• Range size and efficiency (incl. overlap)
• Local Production / SMU /ABO Early Launch efficiencies

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong business sense and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., relationship management, collaboration, creativity, confidence and facilitation)
• Cross functional experience, across category management, merchandising, brand and sales
• Fluent in written and spoken English is a must.

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• University degree in business, ideally with marketing and sales focus or equivalent professional experience
• 2-3 years of category experience, cross-functional marketing and/or sales experience
• Excellent presentation skills
• Advanced in Excel and PowerPoint
• A keen understanding of fashion & sports with the ability to stay updated with industry trends.