Job Information
Gap Inc. Director Merchandising - Franchise India in Bengaluru, India
About Gap Inc.
Our past is full of iconic moments — but our future is going to spark many more. Our brands — Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta — have dressed people from all walks of life and all kinds of families, all over the world, for every occasion for more than 50 years.
But we’re more than the clothes that we make. We know that business can and should be a force for good, and it’s why we work hard to make product that makes people feel good, inside and out. It’s why we’re committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work. If you're one of the super-talented who thrive on change, aren't afraid to take risks and love to make a difference, come grow with us.
About the Role
The Merchandising Director will own and oversee the merchandise strategies for the India Gap and Old Navy business, driving seasonal product strategies to meet market specific needs and ensuring brand aesthetic adherance. This role will be accountable for delivering annual financial goals, driving the execution of the India product assortment including exclusives, and owning the product segmentation strategy between Gap and ON. They will partner with cross-functional team members to deliver brand key concepts, key items, and assortments across multiple formats (Shop-in-Shop, Free Standing Store, Online) to ensure that the collection is on brand, commercially viable, and provides an exciting customer experience. Initiatives they will manage and execute include regional assortment strategies, pricing strategies, developing lineplans, managing the development of Franchise exclusives and analyzing the business to deliver product recaps, seasonal mid-sights, and seasonal hind-sights with the Franchise partner.
This position will be based in India and will be part of the Gap Inc Franchise Product team, partnering with the Franchise Partner, Gap and Old Navy Franchise Merchandising, Franchise Planning, Account Management, Product Operations, Store Experience and Marketing.
What You'll Do
Effectively liaise with Franchise/Brand Merchandising to influence and protect franchise specific needs while remaining aligned with brand direction and keeping assortment focused
Eliminate redundancies in the product assortment
Identify individual market needs, opportunities, and challenges to address future and in-season management needs
Manage financial product plans from creating pre-season sales, gross margin and inventory plans by division and department that support product strategies to presenting financial forecasts and supporting action plans in open to buy meetings
Present, sell, and recap assortments to Franchise partners while influencing franchisees to buy most appropriate seasonal assortment for their market and to achieve targeted financial goals
Partner with cross functional teams to develop and execute all necessary tools for Market Week
Understand product trends, historical data, and departmental input at category/class level to make informed product recommendations using reports to influence internal and external teams
Validate costing and placement strategies with Production
Develop long term strategies to drive growth by analyzing sales performance of businesses, by category and by region, to meet customer needs and maximize sales
Own retail pricing architecture and strategies
Develop, mentor and train direct reports through: review of process, timely goal setting, weekly touch bases and quarterly check-ins and identify and provide additional training as needed
Who You Are
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
Demonstrate a strong point of view about product assortment and business opportunities
Ability to problem solve independently, with ability to adapt to diverse audiences and environments
Strong communication and relationship/team skills
Demonstrate the organizational ability to facilitate multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
Strong strategic and analytical ability
Excellent verbal and written ability; Adept at presenting information and storytelling
Ability to align with, collaborate and influence cross functional partners and peers
Ability to delegate responsibility and decision-making appropriately to other personnel
Ability to travel Domestically and Internationally
Strong computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint) with aptitude for learning new programs
5+ years of retail/wholesale merchandising experience
1 – 3 years of management experience preferred
Benefits at Gap Inc.
One of the most competitive paid time off plans in the industry
Comprehensive health coverage for employees, same-sex partners and their families
Health and wellness program: free annual health check-ups, fitness center and Employee Assistance Program
Comprehensive benefits to support the journey of parenthood
Retirement planning assistance
See more (https://corporate.gapinc.com/en-in/careers/gap-inc-benefits) of the benefits we offer.
Gap Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We have received numerous awards for our long-held commitment to equality and will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment of belonging. In 2022, we were recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity.