Lead Merchant, North America Kids Channel Merchandising

About the Role This consumer-led merchandising role focuses on shaping the Kids Footwear and Apparel offense across North America Channels. The role requires a strong affinity for product and comfort in the fast pace of retail and the evolving North America marketplace. The successful candidate will contribute to an inclusive, positive, and progressive team dynamic. They will work closely with fellow North America Channel Merchants and cross-functional partners across Product Merchandising, Sales, Planning, Brand, Marketplace, Finance, Operations, and Insights & Analytics, using quantitative and qualitative business reporting to inform assortment decisions. Key Responsibilities Build consumer-centric, channel-specific assortment plans for Kids Footwear and Apparel across North America, blending fact-based analysis with intuitive product storytelling. Own the translation of North America product strategies into clear, channel- and tier-specific assortments, preserving consumer intent while reflecting capacity, door realities, and account needs, and serve as the single point of accountability for the final North America channel view. Manage multiple seasons concurrently, using in-market performance, bookings, and partner feedback to inform future seasonal decisions. Play a critical role during key moments such as Go to Market sales meetings and account sales meetings, ensuring Sales teams are equipped with clear assortments, priorities, and narratives to drive confident sell-in. Apply deep understanding of North America wholesale and specialty channel dynamics to determine where product should live, how it should scale, and when to advocate for incremental opportunities while balancing growth, profitability, and brand consistency. Partner closely with North America Sport Merchandising, Sales, SSDs, Planning, and Brand teams to synthesize inputs, clarify priorities, and influence strong channel outcomes through collaboration, clarity, and trust. Lead complex, overlapping seasonal workflows from Merch to Merch through GTM, OED, and post-GTM, ensuring clean handoffs, on-time deliverables, and shared clarity on what is final versus in progress for channel partners. Equip Sales and SSD partners with channel-specific assortments, narratives, and tools that enable confident sell-in, reduce friction at key moments, and clearly communicate core, priority, and opportunistic product offerings. Leverage bookings, in-market performance, and partner feedback across North America to deliver actionable insights, refine channel strategies, and strengthen future seasonal assortments and ways of working. Required Experience & Qualifications 5+ years of relevant industry experience in merchandising. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or related field; will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training. Footwear, apparel, and/or equipment merchandising experience. Proven expertise in franchise management and understanding of retail key performance indicators and profit-based metrics. Strong strategic thinking skills to shape the future of the business. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and leadership levels. Responds with speed, agility, curiosity, and motivation. Collaborative mindset that brings people together to solve complex challenges. Skilled at prioritising tasks and driving them to completion. Communicates vision and purpose and leads effectively in complex situations. Demonstrates problem-solving ability using limited information and implements solutions with foresight into future implications. Passion for product and kids’ sport. Enjoys moving at the pace of retail and serving the diverse North America consumer. Brings sharp instincts, strong business acumen, and the ability to turn consumer and marketplace insight into action. Operates comfortably across multiple seasons, balancing long-term strategy with immediate execution. The Application Process Accommodations are available to complete the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr Global Sports Jobs Limited