category manager, Merchandise(J105096)

Executive Summary ◆ Candidate with extensive knowledge of retail product development processes required to lead long range design, trend, and innovation strategies for the merchandise team. ◆ Responsible for working with design agencies to support business trends and growth, have strong visual & communication skills as well as attention to details (translating subjective trend & design/sample feedback to multiple stakeholders, as well as presenting design inspiration through strong storytelling skills). ◆ The position requires detailed consumer and trend research, ability to evaluate quality goods and has had creative exposure in the past, coupled with a good sense of fashion and aesthetics. Detailed Summary of Key Responsibilities Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Business Management: ◆ Create and design assortment strategies, including design and trend direction for merchandise category programs (core, reserve, seasonal) ◆ Tracks, analyzes and consolidates performance data; including product and program performance vs. expectations. Provides meaningful insight and recommends action plans to address variances in performance. ◆ Responsible for leading and driving category profitable growth: setting and achieving topline and bottom line targets, managing daily routines of related category business ◆ Creates and presents financial business case(s) for new programs to support growth strategies and profitability targets. ◆ Builds and maintains strong relationships with key internal (cross functional teams) and external (suppliers, agencies) stakeholders and collaborates to integrate insights and business performance into the future strategies. ◆ Highly engaged and interested in China consumer market and China + Global product trends. Reports findings and utilizes insights to inform future merchandise strategy. ◆ Supports with any consumer insights-related activities and/ or other research requirements as needed. ◆ Lead or support other projects within or beyond responsible categories including new category platform, new channel’s exploration (e.g. MOD, MOP, Ecomm, CPG) upon business necessity. Product Development & Brand Management ◆ Ownership of creative brief development and assortment strategy for programs they manage. ◆ Evaluates creative concepts and effectively provides creative feedback to internal and external agencies. Makes recommendations regarding product objectives and strategy, positioning, pricing and packaging, where needed. As the brand owner it is critical to have previous brand or creative/product development exposure to ensure product is appropriate and “on brand” for Starbucks. ◆ Lead cross-functional teams to develop new products and product-related marketing opportunities, from concept to commercialization. ◆ Aid project teams to help manage timelines and deliver products and programs. Strong leadership of cross-functional partners required to ensure successful program launch. ◆ Works with marketing team/creative agency to develop relevant programs. ◆ Actively monitors the marketplace for new product innovations, competitors, lifestyle trends and emerging technologies. Project Management ◆ Maintains and upholds processes to ensure effective and timely development and execution of programs. ◆ Strong ability to manage timelines to deliver products and programs on time. ◆ Works with cross functions to ensure program execution excellence, from program inception to implementation and delivery. ◆ Ensures all merchandise materials undergo brand and legal review.

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities ◆ Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing and can use communications skills to influence outcomes through storytelling. ◆ Ability to work cross-culturally. ◆ Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. ◆ Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines. ◆ Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. ◆ Analytical skills. ◆ Ability to lead or assist leadership on cross-functional projects and teams. ◆ Working knowledge of marketing and communications fundamentals. ◆ Ability to resolve issues or debates independently in most situations. ◆ Ability to influencing others without authority to get things done in a timely fashion. ◆ Ability to build a level of trust and respect amongst peer group. Recognizes the importance of solid relationships.