FASHION PRODUCT MERCHANDISING MANAGER Italy Market
WFA Digital Insight
As the demand for skilled product merchandisers in the fashion industry continues to grow, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year, CHANEL is seeking a seasoned professional to lead their product strategy in Italy. With the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer behaviors, companies are looking for experts who can balance local market needs with global brand vision. CHANEL's commitment to innovation and customer experience makes this role particularly exciting for those looking to make a significant impact. Candidates should be aware that a deep understanding of the Italian fashion market and proficiency in Excel are essential for success in this position.
Job Description
About the Role
The Fashion Product Merchandising Manager for Italy is a pivotal role at CHANEL, responsible for defining and implementing the product strategy for the Italian market. This involves working closely with the Europe Fashion Product Merchandising team and Italian boutiques to ensure alignment with CHANEL's global vision and local market specificities. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of the Italian fashion industry, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to drive commercial impact through data-driven decisions. As part of CHANEL's commitment to innovation and customer experience, this role will play a key part in the company's evolution, supporting the transition into a new chapter of creative vision.Day-to-day, the role entails leading the product strategy, supporting boutiques in defining and animating their assortment, and making each boutique a unique place of excellence. The Fashion Product Merchandising Manager will also dedicate a significant amount of time to boutique visits, identifying opportunities, reviewing assortments, and addressing merchandising challenges directly on the field.
What You Will Do
- Adapt and deploy the global European strategy for the Italian market, ensuring alignment with CHANEL's vision and local specificities
- Work closely with boutique teams to drive 'One Boutique, One Story' and support them in their buys
- Coordinate and drive buying sessions, leveraging market insights and data analysis to support boutiques in optimizing selections and maximizing sales opportunities
- Support boutiques during showroom and review the buys
- Animate a final buying review for the Italian market
- Conduct accurate analysis of collection performance, including sell-through, top and slow sellers, by boutique, segment, size, color, style, etc.
- Monitor stock levels, proactively identify optimization opportunities, and balance supply with demand to maximize sell-through and commercial impact
- Monitor delivery status for the market to support launch objectives
- Partner with Visual Merchandising and Style Expertise teams on seasonal launches, window displays, and commercial actions
- Share performance and collection-related challenges to define 360° action plans for maximizing sell-through
- Ensure product presentations and assortments authentically represent CHANEL's brand codes, seasonal stories, and luxury positioning, enhancing the client experience
What We Are Looking For
- Confirmed experience in Product Merchandising, ideally in Fashion (8-10 years minimum)
- Strong sense of Fashion and product sensitivity, with knowledge of the Italian competitive environment and trends
- Analytical skills and understanding of commercial performance levers, with the ability to drive specific action plans and monitor impact
- Collaborative mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and capacity to support and develop boutique teams
- Understanding of CHANEL culture and Creation-first model
- Service-oriented, open-minded, and enthusiastic about transformation and innovation
- Fluent in Italian and English (French is a plus)
- Mobility throughout Italy, with regular travels in Paris
Nice to Have
- Experience with Excel and data analysis tools
- Knowledge of the luxury fashion industry
- Previous experience working with international teams
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a renowned luxury fashion brand
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options
- Access to exclusive CHANEL events and product launches
- Comprehensive health and wellness program
How to Stand Out
- Ensure your resume highlights specific experience in product merchandising, particularly in the fashion industry, and be prepared to discuss your understanding of the Italian market.
- Develop a strong portfolio that demonstrates your analytical skills and ability to drive commercial impact through data-driven decisions.
- Practice your presentation skills, as the ability to animate a final buying review and present to various stakeholders is crucial.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with Excel and data analysis tools, and how you have used these skills to optimize sales opportunities.
- Show enthusiasm for CHANEL's brand and culture, and demonstrate your understanding of the company's commitment to innovation and customer experience.
- Consider learning French, as it is considered a plus, and will give you an edge in the application process.
- Be prepared for regular travel to Paris and throughout Italy, and ensure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas.
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