Purpose and background of the job:
General Purpose:
• Merchandise Specialist DTC Japan will play a key role to elevate Birkenstock’s offering in DTC, by delivering a product offer and Go to Market Plan that exceed customers’ expectations.
• Develop and execute mid-to-long-term merchandising plans for DTC (Direct to Consumer) and other channels, working with cross-functional teams to maximize sales opportunities while ensuring product supply that minimizes excess inventory.

Tasks and accountabilities:
In the Japan region, the Merchandising Specialist collaborates with the Head Merchandiser to play a leading role in driving the product assortment for DTC products.
This position requires creativity, knowledge of market trends, and excellent communication skills. With industry experience and unconventional thinking, you will drive DTC growth from the product side.

• Range Building and Planning
o Lead DTC and merchandising strategies for the Japanese market within Birkenstock's offerings - Collaborate with the DTC team's merchandisers and merchandising planners to develop pre-season plans aligned with long-term strategic planning - Develop bottom-up merchandising and buying plans to align with seasonal OTB (Open-to-Buy) targets o Analyze Japanese market trends to identify consumer preferences, competitive landscapes,and channel requirements, maximizing sales and inventory utilization
o As a category expert within the market, develop optimal product mix strategies for sales channels
o Monitor product performance, inventory levels, and turnover rates to drive action
o Collaborate with DTC to execute launch plans, inventory opportunities, and risk management for key products ‐Manage seasonal product introduction schedules for DTC to ensure timely market launches
o Lead demand forecasting in seasonal GTM processes, developing short-, mid-, and longterm forecasts aligned with regional strategy
o Collaborate with the MD Manager in quality control and resolving product issues

• Reporting
o Support weekly and monthly reporting related to DTC results

• Market Insite
o Collect and integrate market feedback from consumers, retail partners, and internal teams to inform future product and commercial plans

• Additional Responsibilities:
o MD Data / Tool coordination
o Seasonal visual Assortment Creation
o Sample management