Director Category Management & CTC EMC

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

• Lead / influence product collaboration with channels & conquer category opportunities in EMC countries based on consumer data, trends & local / global strategy
• Own regional category strategytied to growth, margin, and brand direction and drive its execution through GTM process
• Responsible for creating the most efficient Omni channel range framework across EMC channels
• To lead and run the CTC Merchandising process (seasonal cycle) throughout EMC including Merchandising strategy and vision.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Category Direction

• Define and drive the EMC category and merchandising strategy, aligning global direction with local consumer, market, and channel needs
• Translate consumer insights, market trends, and competitive dynamics into actionable category plans and priorities
• Act as the market expert, influencing EM and Global stakeholders with EMC-specific opportunities and risks
• Challenge global frameworks where needed to ensure local relevance and commercial success

Range Architecture & Assortment Planning

• Develop and own the market range architecture strategy across categories, channels, and clusters
• Define article allocation and segmentation guidelines (price, concept, channel, category, gender) in alignment with EM and Global frameworks
• Lead assortment planning to ensure optimal balance between brand priorities, commercial performance, and consumer demand
• Optimize range productivity by managing breadth, depth, duplication, and efficiency across channels
• Drive key franchise and “big bet” selections to maximize impact and differentiation in the market

Pricing & Commercial Strategy

• Define and lead the market price architecture strategy across categories and channels
• Optimize pricing to balance brand positioning, competitiveness, and profitability
• Drive margin (GIM%) improvement through pricing, assortment, and segmentation decisions
• Align pricing strategies with consumer segmentation and channel roles

GTM Planning & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end GTM process across seasonal milestones (pre-season, sell-in, in-season, review)
• Ensure high-quality GTM plans and execution across categories, channels, and countries
• Drive sell-in excellence by aligning cross-functional stakeholders and improving range clarity and commercial storytelling
• Coordinate with EM HUB, BU, and channel teams to ensure consistent and effective execution
• Oversee forecasting processes and ensure accuracy and alignment across stakeholders

Performance Management & Insights

• Track and analyze sell-in and sell-through performance across categories, channels, and clusters
• Generate actionable insights and translate them into concrete business decisions and corrective actions
• Identify risks and opportunities early and drive in-season optimization actions
• Collaborate with Finance and Planning teams to align on Net Sales, volumes, and margin targets

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Align BU, Brand Activation, Sales, Finance, and Demand Planning teams to deliver a consistent, consumer-centric category strategy
• Act as the single category voice across functions, ensuring clarity and consistency in decision-making
• Resolve trade-offs between brand, commercial, and operational priorities to drive optimal business outcomes
• Lead collaboration with EM and Global stakeholders to ensure alignment and influence decision-making

Business Development & Growth Initiatives

• Identify and drive growth opportunities across categories, channels, and consumer segments
• Lead strategic initiatives such as responsiveness, value consumer strategies, and local relevance programs
• Contribute to long-term category and market expansion strategies

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing category management team
• Set clear objectives and drive accountability for business and functional outcomes
• Coach team members to strengthen strategic thinking, decision-making, and commercial acumen
• Foster a performance-driven, collaborative, and consumer-focused culture

Key Relationships:

• EM BU, CTC
• EMC Brand (Activation, OMNI, digital, SPOMA, MOPS)
• Country leads
• Demand Planning, SCM, Finance
• Sales (all channels)

KPI’s

• Net Sales and GIM%
• Share of search
• Sell-in & Sell-out
• Range efficiency

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 10+ years of experience in merchandising/product, marketing, sales/retail required. BU experience preferred
• University degree in Business or equivalent professional experience, ideally in Sales and/or Marketing preferred
• Previous experience in managing a global matrix organization required
• Sporting goods industry experience required
• Fluent in English
• Solid experience in attracting, hiring, developing and coaching a strong and talented team
• Has successfully built cohesive teams that have consistently stretched profit and business objectives
• Leading and managing a diverse team (incl. remote management)
• Strong presentation/communications and influencing skills
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail