Merchandiser, Specialty Accounts

The role of Merchandiser, Specialty Accounts at VANS EMEA involves driving the company's ambition to be the leading brand in progressive skate and youth culture. VANS, founded in 1966, is known for its action sports footwear and its commitment to action sports, music, art, and street culture. The company operates under the umbrella of VF Corporation, which includes iconic lifestyle brands like The North Face® and Timberland®. The main day-to-day responsibilities include executing the global merchandising strategy tailored to regional marketplace dynamics. This involves adapting global product assortments to meet the needs of specialty accounts while maintaining brand consistency. The role also requires curating assortments for specialty partners, partnering with commercial teams to build plans, and influencing adoption externally. Additionally, the Merchandiser will continuously monitor marketplace trends, ensure regional channel needs are met, and drive sales analysis for immediate trading and future seasons. To excel in this role, candidates must have experience in the EMEA Wholesale Marketplace and a keen interest in lifestyle and action sports markets. A formal education in Business, Design, Retail Merchandising, and/or Marketing is nice to have, but the company is more interested in total experience and professional achievements. The role requires the ability to apply merchandising principles, understand the external marketplace environment, and excel in facilitating account meetings and customer communication. Decision-making skills in segmentation and product choices by channel, tier, and account are also essential. Nice-to-have skills include the ability to develop and analyze retail reports, derive key takeaways, and create action-oriented steps to improve business performance. Understanding the competitive landscape and trends in both fashion lifestyle and action sports is also beneficial. The role is based in Stabio, Switzerland, offering a supportive and inclusive international environment with comprehensive benefits, an on-site gym, and a discount card with 50% off all VF brands. What the role asks for: - EMEA Wholesale Marketplace experience - Bachelor or Master's degree in Business, Design, Retail Merchandising, and/or Marketing (nice to have) - Ability to apply merchandising principles - Understanding of the external marketplace environment - Decision-making ability on segmentation and product choices by channel, tier and account - Ability to develop and analyze retail reports (nice to have) - Understanding of competitive landscape and trends in both fashion lifestyle and action sports