【本ポジションについて】
The Manager, DTC Merchandising for HOKA will lead and direct the execution of HOKA seasonal directives and key initiatives for DTC channels across all product departments (Footwear, Apparel and Accessories). This role is responsible for overseeing DTC Merchandising Specialists and Allocation team members, while working closely with the Senior Manager of HOKA Japan Merchandising on all elements of the value proposition (Right Product at the Right Place at the Right Time).
Leveraging DTC insights, trends, data, brand and category strategies, this role leads the seasonal Japan DTC assortments and product flow planning in support of HOKA’s financial goals and long-term brand strategy. In addition to owning execution, this position is accountable for translating mid- to long-term brand and product strategies into differentiated assortments and flow plans by store and channel, aligned with each store’s concept and target consumer.
This role builds strong partnerships with key cross-functional stakeholders including Marketing, E-commerce, VMD, Integrated Planning, Supply Planning, Logistics, Real Estate, and Retail teams to ensure best-in-class brand expression and commercial performance across HOKA-owned channels (HOKA.com, Full Price Stores, and Outlet Stores).
At its core, this role leads all elements of Japan DTC assortment planning, buy execution, and in-season management, while establishing disciplined, consistent, and scalable merchandising processes for the DTC business. The Manager partners closely with Japan leadership and Global teams to represent Japan market needs during GTM meetings, including providing structured input and engaging in discussions with Global Category MD and Global DTC MD teams.
Additionally, this role partners with Marketing, E-commerce and VMD teams to create consistent head-to-toe expressions and seasonal storytelling, bringing footwear and apparel together in key looks that drive consumer engagement and brand momentum.
【業務内容】
20%：DTC Growth Strategy & Leadership
• Outline profitable DTC growth strategies across Retail and E-commerce channels, balancing category, price architecture, gender classification, and appropriate style/SKU counts.
• Lead and manage DTC Merchandising Specialists and Allocation team members, ensuring clarity of roles, accountability, and continuous capability development.
• Collaborate with Planning teams to closely control product receipts and inventory timing, minimizing lost sales opportunities and improving inventory efficiency.
25%：Seasonal Assortment Planning & GTM Alignment
• Lead seasonal development of Japan DTC assortments, ensuring alignment with consumer needs, store concepts, and financial targets.
• Maintain seasonal style-color and SKU count targets, incorporating brand strategies, sales history, and trend insights across Retail and E-commerce channels.
• Explain and align seasonal DTC plans with Retail and E-commerce channel teams, leading discussions and incorporating feedback where appropriate.
• Act as the Japan DTC merchandising representative in GTM meetings, providing market input and recommendations to Global Category MD and Global DTC MD.
• Develop and manage the DTC-specific GTM calendar, ensuring all key seasonal deliverables are met.
35%：In-season Management & Business Optimization
• Work closely with Retail, E-commerce, Planning, and Marketing teams to identify in-season opportunities through weekly analysis of sales, inventory, and consumer trends.
• Lead weekly, monthly, and seasonal business reviews against initial plans, identifying gaps and driving action plans related to pricing, promotions, rebuys, transfers, and consolidation.
• Partner with Allocation and Logistics teams to manage regular meetings and execute inventory movement and replacement schedules that maximize business performance.
• Proactively analyze product performance by category, style, and channel, and propose timely actions to improve sell-through and profitability.
15%：Product Allocation
• Oversee initial product allocation strategies for new products across Full Price Stores, E-commerce, and Outlet channels.
• Instruct and guide Allocation team members to ensure right product, right quantity, right place, and right timing, considering store capacity and product strategy.
• Continuously review and improve allocation processes in partnership with Allocation, cross-functional teams, and warehouse operations.
• Lead proactive stock transfers and consolidation initiatives to avoid missed sales opportunities and optimize inventory utilization.
5% ：Store Development
• Partner with Real Estate and VMD teams to develop merchandising and assortment plans for new store openings and store renovations.
• Ensure in-store product presentation and assortment strategies align with brand direction and enhance the consumer journey.
• Strategically plan and introduce limited products and exclusive colorways to create clear reasons to purchase in-store and strengthen DTC channel differentiation.
• Maintain regular communication with DTC merchandising counterparts in other regions to exchange insights and identify opportunities applicable to the Japan market.
■休日：完全週休二日制, 土, 日, 祝日, 年末年始
