Manager Global Retail Category Planning

About the Position

We are seeking a Manager Global Retail Category Planning to drive the global merchandising strategy for a specific category across Direct-to-Consumer channels.

Responsibilities

• Define assortment principles across E-commerce, Full Price Stores, and Factory Outlet channels
• Build a clear and differentiated product strategy aligned with the overall brand direction
• Develop assortment frameworks covering: Product flow, depth, breadth, and option count, article count across business units, gender, age groups, product groups, and franchises, price points and price tiers
• Ensure the right balance between core, seasonal, and trend-driven products
• Define seasonal launch and drop calendars to drive traffic, engagement, and productivity.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Global GTM, Product Merchandising, Planning, Marketing, and Retail Marketing teams
• Ensure DTC requirements are embedded early in the product creation process
• Align merchandising strategies with retail execution across stores and online channels
• Support compelling product presentations through strong storytelling and channel execution.

Regional Support & Alignment

• Provide frameworks, tools, and strategic guidance to regional merchandising teams
• Support localization of assortments while maintaining global consistency
• Enable clear channel segmentation and execution excellence across markets.

Performance & Insights

• Monitor key business metrics such as sell-through, margin, and inventory productivity
• Identify opportunities and risks to improve future assortments and product flows
• Provide insights to Global GTM and Product Creation teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or related field
• 5–8+ years of experience in merchandising, preferably in sportswear or fashion retail
• Strong experience in DTC / Retail merchandising (Full Price & Outlet exposure is a plus)
• Proven track record of driving commercial results
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
• Deep understanding of retail KPIs and merchandising levers
• Consumer-centric mindset with strong commercial acumen
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, matrix organization
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment
• Professional growth and development opportunities

About the Company

PUMA provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at PUMA and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.

At PUMA, every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity - no matter your background, identity, or experience. To ensure our process stays true to these values, no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions. Every decision is made by real people -with real judgment and accountability.

PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel, and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers. The PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf, and stichd, operates in 120+ countries, and has around 22,000 employees worldwide.

Location

The PUMA corporate Headquarters are located in Herzogenaurach or Herzo, as we like to call our hometown, located in southern Germany close to Nuremberg. Every day, more than 1000 colleagues walk through our doors, ready to push sport and fashion forward. And if you’re lucky, you just might run into Usain Bolt or Antoine Griezmann walking down the hall.

Go big, go Herzo