Manager, Direct Merch - Converse

This job is with Nike, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
This role will sit within Converse Global Marketplace Merchandising and partner closely with Merchandising, Planning, Allocation, Marketing, Retail and Digital teams to deliver consumer-right assortments across stores and digital platforms. This role reports into Director of Global Direct Merchandising and manages a team of merchants.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a consumer-obsessed merchant with strong retail acumen, omni-channel experience and the ability to translate product strategy into profitable assortments for Western Europe Direct. This person is both analytical and product-led, comfortable using sell-through, traffic, conversion, AOV, margin, inventory and consumer insights to make clear recommendations. They bring strong cross-functional influence, collaboration and communication skills, with the confidence to manage competing priorities across seasonal planning and in-season trading.

The ideal candidate understands how to build assortments that serve the consumer, elevate the brand and deliver business results across physical retail and digital channels.

Well-rounded experience in merchandising, buying, planning, retail or e-commerce experience, preferably within footwear, apparel or lifestyle consumer products.

Proven experience building assortments, managing seasonal buys and using performance data to inform future product and pricing decisions.

Strong analytical skills and retail math fluency, including sales, margin, sell-through, inventory productivity and forecast inputs.

Ability to influence across functions, present recommendations clearly and operate with agility in a fast-paced marketplace environment.

Ability to travel up to 25%, including seasonal milestone meetings, marketplace visits and cross-functional business reviews as needed.

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON

You will lead and support the WE Direct merchandising strategy from seasonal assortment creation through in-season management, helping ensure the right product shows up in the right channel, at the right time, with a clear consumer and commercial point of view.

Build and manage seasonal Direct assortments for Western Europe across stores and digital, balancing brand priorities, consumer demand, commercial opportunities and inventory health.

Partner with Planning and Allocation to inform buy quantities, demand forecasts, depth, channel flow and replenishment recommendations.

Analyze weekly business performance across key metrics such as revenue, margin, traffic, conversion, AOV, sell-through, weeks of supply and inventory productivity to identify risks and opportunities.

Use consumer, marketplace, trend and competitive insights to shape seasonal product priorities, pricing recommendations and future assortment decisions.

Collaborate with Marketing, Retail, Digital partners to connect product stories, launch plans and commercial moments across Direct touchpoints.

Prepare clear recaps, hindsight analysis and forward-looking recommendations for seasonal reviews, leadership meetings and cross-functional business conversations.

Manage a team of merchants by building merchandising capability, accountability and a consumer-first mindset.

Please note, no relocation offered for this role

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