Company Description

Established in 1978 in the North of France, KIABI revolutionised off-the-peg fashion with the introduction of low-cost fashion for the whole family, a concept which had never been seen before. With a network of over 505 shops across the world, KIABI boasts a turnover of 2 billion euros (2019) and 2.4% growth. As a symbol of simplicity, universality and joie de vivre, KIABI proposes ranges that are created in France by an in-house team of 56 fashion designers. KIABI is France’s leading prêt-à-porter retailer with over 10,000 employees of 60 different nationalities. Kiabi is aware of the environmental footprint of its activity and is reaffirming its Social and Environmental Responsibility via the KIABI HUMAN programme, by developing ranges of ecologically designed products and a transparent supply chain, and training its staff and stakeholders in the human and environmental impact of its business. The company encourages the personal development of employees in their place of work and the promotion of ethical local initiatives.

Job Description

KEY FUNCTION

The Senior Merchandisers are responsible for the operational tasks linked to the execution of the allocation strategy, locally. They execute the sourcing and buying strategies defined by the Sourcing Buying Managers. Ensuring the products meet KIABI specifications. The Senior Merchandisers work under the supervision of the COUNTRY LEADER.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• They are responsible and accountable for their business KPIs as defined by the Merchandising Manager.
• Submit quotations and samples for approval to Sourcing Buying Manager.
• Ensure that suppliers enter product information on company systems.
• Use their product knowledge to provide relevant product.
• Responsible of organising the buy-in and picking trips.
• Work with existing and potential suppliers to develop the competitiveness of their country.
• Actively visit suppliers on a regular basis to keep abreast of their competences and activities.
• Identify and source new suppliers in line with the GPS, visit the new supplier’s facilities, ensure smooth onboarding and achievement of expectations for the new vendor.
• Provide Local/regional sourcing and market intelligence (look for and propose innovative products, fabrics, facilities, etc.)
• Support the implementation of vendor management projects, including but not limited to, 3D, agility, speed, etc...
• Follow up the transformation of the supplier base to meet the sustainability, environmental, and social targets of the company vision.
• Responsible of implementing the processes on product traceability.
• Follow up the execution of continuous improvement on social compliance.
• Work with vendors on the implementation of new norms and procedures and deliver training.
• Work with the fabric team to execute fabric strategy and availability.
• Execute operational tasks on claims with vendors according to Kiabi norms.
• Develop and promote fair business behaviour keeping in mind social compliance and environmental as a priority.
• Including but not limited to the previous responsibilities, the company can also require the Senior Merchandiser to carry out other duties (tasks, projects, temporary missions, etc.) that may be assigned by the management on specific matters.

EXPERIENCE, TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Relevant experience to the position (reference 10 years)
• Relevant technical knowledge for the position
• Relevant product development knowledge for the position
• Fluent in English and local language, oral and written.
• French language is a plus

RELEVANT COMPETENCES

• Developing Others
• Fostering Teamwork
• Results Orientation
• Building Collaboration
• Customer Orientation
• Cross-cultural competence
• Initiative and Proactivity
• Demonstrating ethics and Integrity
• Decisiveness and Problem Solving
• Communication
• Strong organization skills

Additional Information

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Lead-time
• Sustainability KPI (CO2, Water Consumption, Waste Management)
• FOB / Landed price.
• Quality and Durability
• On time delivery
• Social Supplier compliance
• Customer satisfaction (NPS)
• Project implementation success rate
• Product Adoption Rate
• Product Innovation
• Claim resolution.