Product Head - Luxury Brands/Home Decor/Apparels Industry (15-20 yrs)

Hiring for a client of ours:

Job Title: Product Head

Department: Buying & Merchandising

Location: Gurgaon

Experience with Luxury brands/ Home Decor/ Apparels industry.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Management:

- Oversee the complete product lifecycle, from concept to market introduction, growth, maturity, and phase-out.

- Lead category heads in managing product range, ensuring alignment with brand vision and customer expectations.

- Ensure high-quality execution of tech pack management, product design, and sample development.

- Develop trackers for monitoring key product metrics such as inventory levels, sell through rates, and replenishment schedules.

2. Buying & Open-to-Buy (OTB) Management:

- Formulate and manage OTB budgets, ensuring the right investment levels across categories and seasons.

- Identify trends and opportunities through data analysis, customer insights, and market research.

- Collaborate with vendors and suppliers for optimal purchasing agreements, ensuring quality and timely deliveries.

3. Seasonal Assortment & Range Planning:

- Plan and execute seasonal assortment strategies, aligning with organizational goals and market trends.

- Develop detailed range plans and ensure their implementation based on planograms and sales data.

- Coordinate with category managers for seamless execution and effective SKU rationalization.

4. Pricing Strategy & Sell-Through Management:

- Design pricing strategies to balance profitability with competitive market positioning.

- Monitor sell-through performance and implement timely markdowns, re-pricing, or promotional activities.

- Develop and maintain pricing models for domestic and international brands under the portfolio.

5. Allocation & Reordering:

- Manage allocation processes aligned with planograms, ensuring optimal stock distribution across stores.

- Lead reordering strategies based on data insights, sell-through performance, and inventory levels.

- Work closely with supply chain teams to ensure efficient inventory flow and minimized stock-outs.

6. Brand Management:

- Spearhead brand management efforts, driving growth and market presence.

- Oversee international brand partnerships, ensuring alignment with global standards and local market needs.

- Develop marketing campaigns in coordination with the market team to highlight key products and drive sales.

7. Team Leadership & Collaboration:

- Lead and mentor category heads, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

- Ensure regular tracker reviews to monitor team performance and address challenges proactively.

- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, visual merchandising, and store operations for seamless execution.

Skills and Competencies:

- Strategic planning and analytical skills with expertise in retail metrics such as OTB, sell-through rates, and GMROI.

- Strong knowledge of assortment planning, pricing strategies, and range development.

- Exceptional leadership skills to manage and motivate cross-functional teams.

- Advanced proficiency in retail management software and tools (e.g., SAP, ERP, or merchandising systems).

- Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills with vendors and partners.

- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

- Knowledge of international market trends and global buying strategies.

Qualifications:

- Education: MBA or Master's in Business Administration/Retail Management, or equivalent qualification in a related field.

Experience:

- Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in retail, buying, merchandising, and category management.

- Proven track record in managing luxury and international brands.

- Experience with lifestyle brands is an added advantage.