Job Description

Auto req ID: 8543
Title: Global Merchandising Manager - Apparel

Location: Milwaukee or Chicago
Job Function: Apparel
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Shift: SHIFT1

At Harley-Davidson, we are building more than machines. Its our passion and commitment to continue the evolution of this storied brand, and heighten the desirability of the Harley-Davidson experience. To keep building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution, and emotion we need the best and brightest talent. We stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Are you ready to join us?

This role will be based in Milwaukee, WI. We will also consider candidates from the surrounding areas (as far as Chicago, IL), but candidates must be able to be in the office several times a month.

Job Summary

Harley-Davidsons apparel and merchandise business unit (General Merchandise) is an important pillar of the company's future success as a global lifestyle brand. Its focus is designing and developing high quality mens and womens motorcycle riding gear, casual apparel, denim and accessories. Through select licensees, Harley-Davidson offers complementary lifestyle products such as eyewear, boots & shoes, small leather goods, collectibles, home goods, and much more. We are targeting growth and profitability of General Merchandise through refreshed product offerings, stronger execution, and additional digital purchase opportunities aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience. The Global Merchandise Manager is critical to the success of this strategy. The role will report to the Global General Manager & Head of General Merchandise.

This is what you will do:

Be responsible for the global merchandising strategy from initial plan to product realization.
Manage a team of Global Merchants who develop and execute strategies to build strong assortments across H-D dealerships, wholesale accounts and Harley-Davidson.com. This team is responsible for planning, global assortments, forecasting units and setting successful MSRPs
Possess a player/coach mentality, offering up input on assortments, color and patterns, getting into the system and pulling data to support the teams initiatives.
Take ownership to achieve sustainable and profitable growth of each category by understanding the brand strategy, DNA, company culture, and balancing different global market requirements.
Work closely with the wider team on product development activities including design, production, licensing and sales & marketing to deliver cross-product storytelling.
Present seasonal collections in key meetings with the ability to lead, influence and moderate discussions
Analyze data on relevant categories, competitor and market trends to identify opportunities and make necessary recommendations from a commercial perspective

Experience required:
A minimum of 8 years in a global apparel business. Previous leadership experience required.
Previous product development exposure strongly preferred
Experience in lifestyle brands a plus
Strong understanding of fashion, the industry, and trends
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to present and map complex business solutions and processes
Ability to bring ideas to the table in relation to product and brand mix