Manager, Category Management

Overview

The Peretti Merchandising Manager manages the portfolio for Elsa Peretti Jewelry & Objects.

The Manager is responsible for overseeing all key initiatives and deliverables within the merchandising function across Category Management, Product Development and Supply Management to meet department and company goals.

The Manager will work with Peretti leadership and cross-function teams to deliver annual priorities that include optimizing the existing portfolio to drive productivity across collections.

The Manager will be responsible for developing a thorough understanding of Peretti designs and the vendors that produce them, and communicate out Elsa Peretti’s essence, quality standards and design message within the organization.

Key Accountabilities :

Category Management - Assortment Analysis

• Perform analysis and provide recommendations for assortment changes and improvements to maximize sales and productivity, in partnership with the GAP team.
• Analyze assortments by collection, classification and price point as directed to maximize productivity and project objectives including year-end and quarterly reviews.
• Propose, implement and monitor worldwide assortments in partnership with GAP team.
• Develop reports and presentations, such as collection trend reports, style-outs, competitive shopping analysis, that communicate a high-level view of new product introductions for meetings and conferences.
• Partner with DM to ensure the appropriate ratio of assortment count to SKU productivity.
• Analyze and validate store type strategies by product family (IR only).

Category Management - Pricing

• Establish and implement margin reviews to validate pricing structure based on sales volume and margin drivers, while analyzing gross margin department objectives through price change recommendations.
• Manage, execute and communicate formal lot-headed price change process conducting analysis and gathering comparison SKU information to set retails for new and existing product taking into account both margin targets and sales goals.
• Review current pricing systems to identify areas of improvement and proposed solutions (IR only).
• Manage and prepare and subsequently review monthly and quarterly price change submissions to PLM.

Category Management - Lifecycle Management

• Conduct reviews and create analysis on an as needed basis, to validate and provide direction for T-Flags, E-Flags and Obsolescence management.
• Partner with DM, IP, SM, and CRA to establish strategies for managing overstock and aged inventory. (IR)
• Manage resolution of off-cycle pricing errors or discrepancies.
• Manage accurate day to day item maintenance, re-classes and merges.

Category Management- New Product

• Develop a thorough understanding of classic and active Peretti designs and the vendors that produce them; employ understanding of the nuances of the Peretti business.
• Analyze product assortments such as collection, classification, price point and sales trends, and make proposals for new merchandise / product extensions based on findings.
• Oversee, create and maintain Product Plans and key initiative image grids throughout various stages of development, ensuring accuracy of item detail.
• Develop trend and key initiative reports and make recommendations for assortment additions or changes based on the findings.
• Facilitate cross function reviews (DM / IP / PD / SM / GAP / Regional partners) of new product plans and distribution strategies.

Partner to ensure target cost, retail pricing and GM objectives for new product are met.

• Facilitate systematic assortment changes and additions.
• Ensure project milestones are met and systematically updated on a timely basis including SKU creation, final costs and retails as well as launch timing shifts.

Supply Management & Product Development

• Oversee the new product sign-off process including project timelines and coordination with cross functional teams to project completion.
• Manage product sample flow including both serialized samples and stock inventory.
• Establish and maintain sample invoice process aiming at timely payments through liaising with Accounts Payable.
• Oversee the Analyst of Supply Management in meeting monthly deliverables such as analyzing and communicating the Peretti Vendor Acquisition Schedule and ensuring on-time firm PO placements for active and new products.

Adjust or shift quantities as needed to meet fluctuating customer demands and / or to address vendor constraints, delays, or other issues.

Review details of Total Purchase Plan Reporting and Delivery Reporting and partner with vendors on open order recovery.

Evaluate and address long-term capacity constraints.

• Partner with Inventory Planning and Demand Planning counterparts as needed to address demand fluctuations or vendor issues.
• Support TCO Social Accountability and Responsible Sourcing initiatives as well as internal trainings to Peretti vendors;

ensure proper communication and partnership from vendors.

Cross-Functional Communication

• Communicate with both central and zone / regional teams to address and support category assortment and new product plans.
• Partner with Marketing and Brand teams to manage all Marketing requests (Brand Campaigns, Digital Assets, advertising, e-commerce) and PR (merchandise borrow, press releases, Events) initiate reviews, validate suggestions for fit and accuracy and ensure teams are meeting deadlines.
• Monitor PR / Marketing borrows monthly for both samples and stock inventory.
• Partner with GAP, Brand, Marketing, CVM and Global Learning as needed to create and distribute product communications for client advisors and store staff.
• Partner with cross functional teams to communicate and execute key initiatives, new product launches, assortments, discontinuations, reclass and pricing as needed.
• Coordinate with CRA, PLM, Retail and Merchandising teams to schedule and execute price changes, along with TCO cross-functional partners.
• Partner with Visual Merchandising to provide guidance on collection and classification retail (in-store) display strategies for existing and new stores.

Staff Management

• Support Director with execution of departmental and cross-functional initiatives.
• Manage staff; provide direction to prioritize their projects, ensure accuracy for project presentation, and develop for future growth.
• Prepare staff evaluations, coach staff through regular one-on-one and group staff meetings, follow company guidelines and PMP timeline.
• Ensure staff integration of new systems and processes.
• Build personal and professional development through training opportunities and regular feedback sessions with staff and Director.

Special Projects and EP Estate Reporting

• Support VP and Director in providing Elsa Peretti Estate periodical reports and information as requested / needed.
• Partner with regional teams to maximize sales through Events and local opportunities by defining and initiating product needs for existing merchandise and / or exclusive products.

Ie : Pop up Stores, Temporary locations, New Store Openings, Client Events).

Manage and execute ad hoc projects as needed for the category including Sr. Management presentations and major systematic data updates and reporting.

Required Qualifications :

• Overall knowledge / experience in the workings of retail business practices
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) with adaptability to new software
• Must have strong analytical skills
• Must be able to think strategically then implement steps to achieve goals
• Must have excellent organizational, communication and written skills
• Ability to be flexible and adept to changing priorities (ability to multi-task is essential)
• Strong interpersonal skills - must be diplomatic
• Good negotiating skills for dealing with sales professionals, gemstone acquisition and outside vendors
• Must be able to lead and develop a staff
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited University

Preferred Qualifications :

• Comprehension of the product offered at Tiffany & Co.
• At least 2 years of retail experience, preferably with some store line experience
• Knowledge of gross margin and turn calculations
• Working knowledge of MIPS, APA, Essbase and JDEdwards
• Graduate Gemologist certificate or near completion

The hiring range for this position ranges from $117,810 - $166,320. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience.

Management is also eligible for bonus.