Manager Category Merchandising

Through sport we have the power to change lives. Sport is our past, present, and future and connects deeply with our purpose. We will always strive to expand the limits of human possibilities, to include and unite people in sport and to create a more sustainable world. We are defined by our attitude, Impossible is Nothing. We are rebellious optimists driven by action to shape a better future together. We see a world with possibilities where others only see the impossible. In sport, having the right attitude is key to being successful. Our attitude defines us in our industry and is a mindset that goes back to the days of our founder, Adi Dassler. It shapes our stories, products, and action.
- As the hub of the brand, the adidas North American Product Merchandising team drives how our products show up to serve the consumer and elevate our experience. We are brand led storytellers who build product offerings that connect with and inspire our consumer. We build assortments that are brand led, consumer right and appropriately segmented to win in the NAM marketplace.- Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
We are brand led storytellers who build product offerings that connect with and inspire our consumer.- Key Responsibilities
- Build seasonal Canadian specific range plans that maximize our DTC partner needs and the strategic plans of our key wholesale accounts. Ensuring Canadian range aligns with the US range; as well as NAM category growth expectations and sku count projections to ensure article efficiency.
- Price all locally ranged articles to align with USD conversion, ensure we are competitive in the market and hit local margin targets.
- Work closely with the US product teams, providing market insights and feedback to build a best-in-class NAM range and GTM strategy.
- Work with US counterparts to execute in season opportunities: SMUs, Speed, In Season Injections packs to complement range and bring us closer to market.
- Develop and maintain a lifestyle and sporting goods expertise of the Canadian marketplace and consumers; as well as competitors/products that compete in this environment. This includes regular visits to key retailers to flag opportunities in our market/differences to the US market to ensure we remain competitive.
- Develop long term business plans with a focus on key items and franchise models across lifecycles to ensure brand health and growth. Building out allocation plans on key franchises to ensure we are driving sustainable growth and a successful sell out.
- Ensure all samples are ordered, organized and merchandized for key milestone meetings.
- Build and present the GTM category plans to Canadian stakeholders in Sales & DTC. This includes building and maintaining all sell in tools for the market and presenting the range to both internal and external teams.
- Work closely with Marketing Communications to ensure product highlights and key brand messages are aligned and brought to market.
- Oversee Assistant Category Manager and play an active role in their personal and professional development.
- Key Relationships
- US Category and Marketplace Merchandising
- DTC & Ecom - both local and US based
- Canadian Wholesale Sales team
- Key external retail partners
- Brand Operations
- Brand Communications
- Sports Marketing
- Finance
- Demand Planning and relevant SCM partners
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong presentation and communication skills, written and verbal
- Ability to work within a team environment
- Strong process and organization skills
- Ability to travel both domestically and internationally as needed
- Strong business acumen in channel distribution, net sales, margin, profit and inventory
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work with and collaborate across the organization
- A thorough understanding of customer markets and trends
- Category specific understanding preferred
- Strong analytical and planning skills
- Minimum Qualifications
- Four-year college or university degree, preferably in Business/Merchandising or related field preferred; and
- Minimum three (3) years industry related experience
- Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for degree.
- Previous merchandising experience in the sporting goods industry preferred.
- _We officially returned to office in a hybrid work environment, working 3 days in office and 2 days remote. The working location of this position is Woodbridge, Ontario._
- _Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English._
- _Diversity and Inclusion at adidas means championing individual uniqueness and cultivating a culture of belonging in which everyone can create at their best. We embrace DIVERSE backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and seek to create a workforce that REFLECTS our consumers and communities._

AT ADIDAS WE HAVE A WINNING CULTURE. BUT TO WIN, PHYSICAL POWER IS NOT ENOUGH. JUST LIKE ATHLETES OUR EMPLOYEES NE