Kipling EMEA is looking for an exceptional
Merchandising Manager to join our
Kipling EMEA Marketing & Merchandising team based in
Antwerp, Belgium.At Kipling we are on a mission. To live a vibrant and colourful life, go to places we've never been before. Be curious. Dare to live the life we've always wanted. That's our mission and influences everything we do.
At Kipling we empower you to go your own way. Diversity makes us stronger and at Kipling we do believe your story matters, this is why we welcome all backgrounds.
Let's talk about the role! We are seeking a strategic and experienced Merchandising Manager to drive product excellence and lead a high-performing team within the dynamic world of lifestyle fashion. This is your opportunity to set the regional product vision and bring it to life through insightful planning, market intelligence, and strong leadership.
How You Will Make a DifferenceAnd you will achieve this by:
Strategy, Market Intelligence & Product Leadership- Define and lead the seasonal product strategy for the EMEA region, aligning local needs with the global vision.
- Translate business insights and consumer behaviour into compelling, data-informed merchandising decisions.
- Own the end-to-end product lifecycle-from trend analysis to market launch.
Merchandising & Assortment Planning- Lead the assortment planning process to ensure regionally relevant and commercially successful collections.
- Collaborate closely with global merchandising and product development teams to influence upstream decisions.
- Build and own seasonal line architecture, pricing strategy, and margin optimization for EMEA.
Cross-Functional & Commercial Execution- Partner with Planning, Marketing, Sales, and Visual Merchandising to ensure cohesive go-to-market execution.
- Present collections and strategies at internal and external key meetings and trade shows.
- Drive product storytelling across all touchpoints to enhance sell-in and sell-through performance.
Team Leadership & Development- Manage and mentor a merchandising coordinator and help them grow with you.
- Provide coaching, development, and performance feedback to build a high-impact, agile team.
- Foster a collaborative culture that values creativity, accountability, and growth.
Skills for Success- ~8 years of experience in merchandising, ideally within lifestyle, fashion, or accessories.
- Proven experience in leading merchandising teams and developing talent.
- Strong analytical acumen with a strategic mindset and commercial instincts.
- A degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Management, or a related field.
- Fluency in English (spoken & written); additional EMEA languages are a plus.
- Willingness to travel across the EMEA region to stay close to markets and partners.
What's in it For You We're in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That's why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we're the total package.
- A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
- An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
- Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization
- On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
- A discount card with 50% on all VF brands
This post is not eligible for relocation. VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It's the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com
Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.
If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you! Apply visit vfc.com, kipling.com or follow us on our LinkedIn and Instagram pages, see you there!
R-20250303-0014
