Altra: Senior Footwear and Apparel Merchant - Special Projects

Responsibilities Support the Director of Merchandising in the end‑to‑end process for the Global Footwear and Apparel Performance Category, creating best‑in‑class assortments with a focus on special projects across footwear and apparel such as collaborations, SMUs/Product Packs, Speed Lane Projects and Elite Apparel Kits. Bridge strategic planning with execution, collaborating cross‑functionally with design, sales and marketing to deliver consumer‑right products that align with brand DNA. Assist the merchandising team with the development and execution of special projects – owning the process from brief to commercialization to distribution plan. Define best practices for project process and management, ensuring the right partners are involved at the right time. Own and conduct end‑to‑end market and competitive research for special projects; set the research agenda, synthesize retail, fashion, sport and consumer trend insights, and identify and quantify growth opportunities by region (AMER, CASA, EMEA, APAC), translating findings into actionable product growth recommendations. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including design, production, brand/marketing and sales, to ensure cohesive and strategic product strategy for special projects. Assist in the creation and maintenance of product line plans, including pricing, inventory management and product lifecycle, specifically for special projects. Participate in the product development process, including SMU/Collab briefing, sample review, and driving sales forecasts / order allocations. Manage partnerships with sales/distributors or special project partners and support distribution alignment. Provide mentorship across the merchandising and product team. Partner with the global team to develop the right special products (Collabs, SMU/Packs, Speed Lane Projects) for AMER, CASA, EMEA and APAC markets, ensuring consumer/retailer demands are met and regional financial goals are achieved. Participate in key account sell‑in/ pre‑line meetings with top accounts where applicable for special projects. Lead a comprehensive sell‑through analysis at season end to inform product creation teams of successes and opportunities for special projects. Plan special project product & color lifecycle for key franchises. Plan appropriate product journeys for each franchise across multiple seasons – packs, SMUs, collaborations, etc. Support the creation of the Elite Athlete Kit apparel program Marketplace. Identify special project opportunities based on strategic choices, consumer profiles and customer needs grounded in Altra Brand DNA. Continuously monitor and report on product performance and make recommendations for improvement. Understand distribution from Specialty to Tier0 and Key Accounts for global regions: AMER, CASA, EMEA, APAC. Stay informed on the competitive landscape for special projects (innovations, materials, features/benefits, pricing architecture, best sellers, franchise management). Gather and filter feedback (sales, consumer, retailer) and input to build out current or future seasons for special projects. Build consumer‑right assortments from this data. Lead and deliver upon the strategy: right product, right time, right place, in the right quantities for special projects such as collaborations, SMUs/Packs, speed lane projects. Drive cross‑functional partnerships with sales, retail and brand/marketing and operations during the Go‑to‑Market process. Participate and provide feedback during global meetings, present at sales meetings and account meetings as needed. Promote a strong ‘1 Team’ culture across functions, ensuring support, visibility and sharing. Focus on managing special project timelines and improving processes for special project/speed lanes as it relates to merchandising. Qualifications Minimum of 8 years of experience in a Footwear Merchandising or buying role. Running footwear experience/background is preferred. Experience working with strategic accounts is preferred. Strong problem‑solving skills with a broad perspective to identify solutions. ‘Can do’ attitude. Excellent communicator in English. Team oriented. Compensation & Benefits Hiring Range: $116,640.00 USD - $145,800.00 USD annually. Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process. Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year’s medical plan rates on and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process. Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement At VF, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law. Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vans