Global Category Manager MFO: Socks

Global MFO and Socks Category Manager

Do you believe that sport has the power to uplift the mind? Does joining a truly purpose-driven brand align with your values? Well, then, we are looking for you. 

As our Global Category Manager MFO: Socks, you will lead product strategy, assortment creation and evolution for the Made for Outlet and Sock business. You will be responsible for developing assortments and product strategies that balance brand vision and business drivers. This position leads the line planning process to achieve or exceed financial goals, partnering with management, Design, Product Development, Direct to Customer and Global teams to deliver targets.

Here at ASICS, we welcome diversity in our people, their backgrounds and life experiences. So, you could be the right person for this role regardless of your age, nationality, religious beliefs, or gender identification.

Our perfect fit.

As an ambassador of our brand, you’ll play an important role in bringing our purpose to life and reinforcing the positive message that movement uplifts body and mind.

Does this sound like you?

• You’re a leader: You can connect with and motivate team members.
• You’re organised: You pay attention to detail and have a first-time-right mentality but are pragmatic when required.
• You’re knowledgeable: You have experience and an active interest in new developments.
• You’re strong-willed. You thrive when presented with problem-solving opportunities.
• You’re thorough. You pride yourself on your accurate and careful approach.

How you’ll help us.

Based at our EMEA Headquarters, just outside of Amsterdam, Netherlands, you will be reporting to the Apparel Director, and as part of the role, you’ll:

• Partner with DTC (Direct to Customer) to develop short and long-term product assortment strategies for Made for Outlet (MFO) and socks that align with the Brand vision and financial plans.
• Build the line architecture inclusive of SKU counts, efficiency, differentiation and price tier on socks, and ensure that this supports financial targets and other Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including intake margins and profitability.
• Participate and/or lead seasonal meetings and drive calendar dates to ensure strong execution of the end-to-end process.
• Stay abreast of market trends and competitor products and apply takeaways to current and future assortments.
• Engage regional stakeholders in aligning with FTW & Apparel to ensure that socks fit with key looks and needs.
• Continuously works towards the improvement of business and processes.
• Monitor the development and performance of direct reports through regular meetings to discuss deadlines, expectations, performance and development.

More about you.

• Qualification in Business or Merchandising.
• 5 years of experience in product management or related merchandising and buying.
• International experience.
• Must be able to adapt to changing trends of business and priorities.

How we’ll help you.

Your wellbeing is our top priority. That is why we will provide you with these resources to help you achieve and maintain a sound mind in a sound body.

• Free fitness and 60% off sports membership. We will reimburse you for keeping a sound mind and body.
• Calm app. Unlimited access to help develop your mental fitness through sleep, mindfulness, and meditation.
• Runkeeper Go™ app. Free premium subscription to our running app.
• Employee wellness programme. Free mindfulness sessions, online yoga, bootcamp sessions.
• OpenUp Access. A platform that offers professional psychological and medical assistance as well as meditation classes.
• Free running club. Join our beginners or intermediate groups for a weekly running session.

We’ll give you all the support you need to develop your skills along the way, too, thanks to our innovative Learning & Development programme.

We are ASICS. And our five letters have meaning. ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano’ or a Sound Mind in a Sound Body. We’re committed to supporting more people to experience the transformative power of movement.

So, this is your chance to join a truly purpose-driven brand and become part of a family. You will join a company focused on creating an inclusive environment that fosters diversity and individualism, healthy bodies, and healthy minds.