Product Manager, Fashion Merchandising

Groupe Dynamite Inc. (GDI) is a Montréal-based, public company of integrated omni-channel brands, designing and distributing accessible, trend-forward fashion for women since 1975.

Our mission of "Empowering YOU to be YOU" is brought to life through the GARAGE and DYNAMITE banners and represents the consumer-centric core of GDI's long-standing success as a leading retailer in North America.

Today, GDI operates nearly 300 stores across Canada and the United States, as well as shoppable brand experiences at Garageclothing.com and Dynamiteclothing.com.

Job Summary:

Reporting into the Merchandise Director, the Product Manager provides leadership and product line management across all facets of the merchandising and buying process for the DYNAMITE banner. This role blends the strategic, financial discipline of a Buyer with the trend-driven, product-selection instincts of a Merchant, owning the product line from concept through in-store execution. You will work in cross-functional teams to develop, design, source, and manage a merchandise assortment that meets business plans and long-term vision, ideally bringing experience from a vertically integrated retail environment where product is designed, sourced, and sold under one roof.

Main Responsibilities:

• Drive current/future growth of the department through the development of merchandise assortments, balancing merchant-style strategic planning with buyer-style product selection and vendor negotiation;

• Develop a track record of success by consistently delivering on or above target results to plan;

• Develop creative and innovative strategies to drive a business plan;

• Understand and analyze competition and marketplace to enhance customer focus and develop innovative ideas;

• Partner with Design and Sourcing teams throughout the product development process to ensure the assortment reflects trend, brand DNA, and customer needs, while meeting cost and margin targets;

• Manage OTB in order to drive and build business strategies;

• Work in conjunction with planning to manage the OTB as far as receipts, sales, margin, markdowns, and weeks of stock;

• Lead and manage the line planning, pricing, and product creation process including style/colour plan, and sizing strategy;

• Analyze business performance and strategic plans to help identify sales and margin opportunities that can exceed revenue target;

• Constant pursuit of providing trend-right product to the customer and driving department growth through assortment planning;

• Quickly adapt to changes/trends occurring in the business and marketplace;

• Effectively and efficiently lead business meetings; communicate, influence, and negotiate with cross-functional teams and vendors to execute vision;

• Collaborate with the Visual team and ongoing management in the development and execution of floor sets.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree;

• Minimum 3 years experience in fashion buying and/or fashion product management;

• Experience in a vertically integrated retail environment (design, sourcing, and buying under one roof) is a strong asset;

• Excellent sense of style and knowledge of fashion trends;

• Strong product knowledge and a balance of analytical and creative abilities to positively affect the bottom line;

• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills;

• Language of work: Bilingualism (French and English) is required for daily communication with suppliers, employees, and stakeholders, both within and outside of Quebec;

• Solid planning skills with experience managing an Open-to-Buy;

• Strong ability to work in teams and demonstrated leadership skills;

• Good computer skills (Excel and/or equivalent software systems);

• In-depth understanding of the DYNAMITE brand and its target market.

At GDI, you will be part of a growing organization that understands the importance of investing in people and offers you:

• A comprehensive compensation package that includes performance-driven bonuses;
• A group retirement savings program with employer matching;
• Flexible group insurance with personalized coverage that meets your needs;
• An employee discount at Garage and Dynamite;
• Exclusive private sample sales;
• A flexible vacation policy;
• And more!

GDI has been repeatedly voted one of Montréal’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

Our promise…
No day will be like the last—we aim to be better today than we were yesterday. We are committed to employment equity.

Candidates that are retained will be called for an interview.

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