Manager - Brand

Role Overview

Manager - Brand at Apparel Group, responsible for overall brand development and implementation to maximize sales and profit, with focus on brand penetration, positioning, and market image within the region.

Role Purpose

Lead comprehensive brand strategy, merchandise planning, and retail operations to drive sales growth and profitability while establishing strong brand positioning and customer acceptance across assigned territories.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Growth and Profitability

• Maximize sales and profitability of brand stores in line with Company targets.
• Develop brand launch strategy in consultation with the Brand General Manager.
• Control costs within budgetary guidelines for brand stores.
• Maximize productivity in stores through effective deployment of resources to ensure complete sell through as per brand product, style and assortment plans.
• Review feedback from territories on brand acceptance and customer expectations.
• Ensure adherence to financial plan in all key areas—sales, markdowns, margin and average inventory.
• Create brand positioning in consultation with the Marketing team and Brand Principal/Brand General Manager.
• Involve in recruitment and training of team members.

Brand Merchandise Planning and Product Selection

• Study merchandise requirements for assigned brand by setting sourcing triggers based on actual sales, sales forecasts, company order parameters, inventory checks, forthcoming events and replenishment needs.
• Design the merchandise plan (pricing, promotion, assortment) with the team for timely availability of stocks at stores.
• Determine buying requirements and formulate buying plan and budget.
• Conduct product selection in coordination with buying requirements and product research received.
• Ensure effective in-season management across territories including stock balancing, markdown management, stock analysis and stock versus sales performance.

Brand Image

• Create brand awareness for Club Apparel.
• Coordinate with Retail Operations to collate feedback on retail and brand operations.
• Develop strategy for Visual Merchandising at stores and ensure implementation.

Market and Competition Research

• Acquire market intelligence through various sources and analyze trends that may impact business.
• Research brand acceptance within the region or new territories and identify inputs on brand customizations required.
• Map competition prices and products and provide qualitative inputs to business.
• Research new sites for brand outlets and discuss with Operations Manager and General Manager.
• Research latest trends in products, brands, styles, designs and fits.

Projects and Administration

• Evaluate selected sites on parameters including trade area, customer base and additional merchandising considerations, and seek internal approvals.
• Coordinate for new store openings and refits with operations and projects team.
• Ensure brand outlet locations align with brand strategy and positioning.
• Ensure adherence to the store opening plan.