Senior Product Manager (Senior Merchant)

at  Groupe Dynamite Inc

Overview:
Groupe Dynamite Inc. (GDI) is a Montréal-based, privately held house of integrated omni-channel brands, designing and distributing accessible, trend-forward fashion for women since 1975.
Our mission of “Empowering YOU to be YOU, one outfit at a time” is brought to life through the GARAGE and DYNAMITE banners and represents the consumer-centric core of GDI’s long-standing success as a leading retailer in North America.
Today, GDI operates nearly 300 stores across Canada and the United States, as well as shoppable brand experiences at Garageclothing.com and Dynamiteclothing.com.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Merchandise team is looking for Senior Product Manager, Buying/Merchandising, to be responsible for leadership and product line management for all facets of the merchandising process. You will work in cross-functional teams to successfully develop, design, and manage merchandise to drive a product line that meets business plans and long-term vision.
You will be involved in our ongoing transformation from a traditional brick & mortar retailer, to an omni-channel leader and tech-first fashion disruptor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree;
• At least 7 years of experience in fashion buying and/or fashion product management;
• Excellent sense of style and knowledge of fashion trends;
• Strong product knowledge and a balance of analytical and creative abilities to positively affect the bottom line;
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills;
• Language of work: French or English, excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) are required in order to deal with international suppliers;
• Solid planning skills with experience managing an Open-to-Buy;
• Strong ability to work in teams and leadership skills;
• Good computer skills (Excel and/or equivalent software systems);
• In-depth understanding of our brand and its target market.

At GDI, you will be part of a growing organization that understands the importance of investing in people and offers you:

• A comprehensive compensation package that includes performance-driven bonuses;
• A group retirement savings program with employer matching;
• Flexible group insurance with personalized coverage that meets your needs;
• An employee discount at Garage and Dynamite;Exclusive private sample sales;
• A flexible vacation policy;
• And more!

GDI has been repeatedly voted one of Montréal’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

• Drive current/future growth of the department through the development of merchandise assortments;
• Develop a track record of success by consistently delivering on or above target results to plan;
• Develop creative and innovative strategies to drive a business plan;
• Understand and analyze competition and marketplace to enhance customer focus and develop innovative ideas;
• Manage OTB in order to drive and build business strategies;
• Work in conjunction with Planning to manage the OTB in terms of receipts, sales, margin, markdowns and weeks of stock;
• Lead and manage the line planning, pricing, and product creation process including style/color plan and sizing strategy;
• Analyze performance and plans to help identify sales and margin opportunities that can exceed the plan;
• Constant pursuit of providing on-trend product to the customer and driving department growth through assortment planning;
• Quickly adapt to changes/trends occurring in the business and marketplace;
• Effectively and efficiently lead business meetings; communicate, influence and negotiate with cross-functional teams to execute vision;
• Collaborate with the Visual team and ongoing management in the development and execution of floor sets;
• Lead, coach and develop junior buyers and Merchandise Assistant team to continually improve capabilities and performance needed to deliver business plan;
• Shift ownership and responsibility to direct reports and provide opportunity to demonstrate skills.