About OTB Group
OTB is an international fashion group comprising the iconic, unconventional brands Diesel, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni and Viktor&Rolf. It also controls the Staff International and Brave Kid companies and holds a stake in American brand Amiri. OTB – short for "Only The Brave" – believes in the possibility of pushing beyond the frontiers of fashion and style to support the creativity of international talents and express in full the innovative spirit and uncompromising courage of its founder and chairman, Renzo Rosso. With more than 6,000 employees worldwide, the Group is founded on a digital approach centred on the consumer, a concrete long-term commitment to the creation of a sustainable, technologically driven business, and close attention to social issues through the OTB Foundation.

Job Title: Head of Merchandising – Maison Margiela and Marni

Report to: Brand General Manager  

Location: Seoul, Korea

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive merchandising strategies for assigned product categories, aligning with overall business objectives and brand vision.
• Conduct in-depth market research, competitive analysis, and trend forecasting to identify new product opportunities and inform assortment decisions.
• Contribute to the annual budget planning and financial forecasting for assigned categories.

2. Assortment & Inventory Management

• Select, develop, and manage a compelling product assortment that meets target customer needs, drives sales, and optimizes inventory levels.
• Manage the open-to-buy (OTB) process, ensuring purchases align with sales forecasts and inventory turn goals.
• Monitor inventory performance, identify slow-moving items, and propose markdown strategies to minimize risk and maximize sell-through.

3. Financial Performance

• Accountable for achieving key financial metrics including sales, gross margin, average selling price (ASP), and inventory turnover for assigned categories.
• Analyze sales data, product performance, and profitability reports, taking proactive measures to optimize results.
• Identify opportunities for margin improvement through pricing, sourcing, and cost negotiations.

4. Collaboration & Communication

• Work cross-functionally & geographically with the relevant functions & brand HQ to ensure a unified approach to product launches and promotions.
• Provide clear and timely communication to all stakeholders regarding product performance, strategies, and key decisions.
• Present merchandising strategies and results to senior management.
• Collaborate with supply chain and logistics teams to optimize product flow.

5. Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Delegate tasks effectively and provide constructive feedback to support team growth.

6. Skills:

• Analytical Acumen: Strong ability to analyze sales data, market trends, and financial reports to make informed decisions.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills in English & Korean.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate market insights into actionable merchandising strategies.
• Market Awareness: Keen awareness of industry trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and solutions-oriented approach to challenges.

Qualification:

• BA degree or above in Business, Merchandising, Fashion, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in merchandising, buying, or product management, preferably within luxury fashion industry.
• Proven track record of driving sales and profitability in specific product categories.
• Experience managing an open-to-buy budget.

How to Apply?

• Email to alice_yang@otb.net
• Submit your CV in both Korean and English
• Include Position Title “Head of MD” in the subject of the e-mail

Recruitment Process :

Application > 1st Interview(HR) > 2nd Interview(Hiring Manager) > Offer

Remark:

• Interviews will be notified individually to those who pass the application screening.
• If the contents of the application form are different from the facts or if proof is impossible, admission may be cancelled, or regular disadvantages may occur.
• Job Posting closes as soon as the recruitment is complete, so please apply quickly if you are interested.

#Li-AR #OTB