As a Jr Merchandiser you will play a dual role: Supporting the growth and development of specific categories or concepts. This role ensures that category strategies align with the overall brand vision, the consumer’s needs, and the company’s strategic framework. Next to that, you will help build the JanSport EMEA merchandising assortment in line with regional strategy and market needs.

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design, marketing, planning and sales to bring consumer-centric innovations to life. Reporting to the Sr merchandising manager, you will support the development of category assortments, market insights, and product positioning while ensuring the success and relevance of the brand’s portfolio. You will also collaborate with Global to shape and adapt the JanSport EMEA assortments.

How You Will Make a Difference

You will achieve this by:

Market and Consumer Insights

• Conducting market research to identify trends, consumer needs, and white space opportunities for growth.
• Monitoring competitors’ pricing, product innovation and market positioning.
• Building in-depth knowledge of the target consumer to shape product innovation around their expectations and market demand.

Category development and merchandising

• Support to shape and deliver a global category strategy that drives growth and performance, stays competitive in the market and aligns with the overall brand strategy.
• Assist in range planning, tracking sales performance and ensuring right product mix.
• Shaping the assortment to reflect market needs and brand strategy.
• Partnering with design throughout product development, contributing input on key features, pricing and positioning.

Assortment and Merchandising Support for JanSport EMEA

• Assisting in building and refining the JanSport EMEA seasonal assortment to meet regional strategy and business goals.

• Manging seasonal line plans by segment and collection and running SKU productivity analyses to keep the assortment efficient.

• Accountable for updating and accuracy at all times of the different systems (Grid, Line lists, Analyses)

• Collaborating closely with the global JanSport merchandising team and taking an active part in milestone meetings.

Go-To-Market and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supporting the go-to-market (GTM) process by presenting seasonal highlights and collections to sales teams in coordination with product and marketing.
• Partnering with marketing to ensure seasonal product stories and content are aligned and leveraged effectively.
• Collaborating with planning teams on seasonal investment strategies.
• Visiting markets and working closely with the sales team.

Skills for Success 

• 1-2 years’ experience in Merchandising, Sales, Product Management, merchandising planning ideally (including internships / master programs or entry level roles).

• Understanding of Excel and has strong detail orientation and thoroughness

• Is passionate about product innovation and deeply consumer focused

• Being a true team player that champions new way of workings

• Demonstrates flexibility and initiative

• Strong communication skills – includes presentation, influencing and negotiation skills

• Fluent English (both written and spoken)

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
• Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization
• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands
• Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks

This post is not eligible for relocation support

VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity 

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you! Apply, visit vfc.com, Eastpak.com or follow us on our LinkedIn and Instagram pages, see you there!

Hiring Range:

annually