Head of Own Brand

Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, the Head of Own Brand is responsible for the strategic direction, design, and development of ZyroFisher Owned Brands including Altura, Tortec and Vaverte. This role is responsible for the smooth running of the owned brand business and management of the team. This role is also responsible for identifying future Own Brand opportunities leveraging our current portfolio and relevant category adjacencies.

All relevant tasks should be completed accurately and within the appropriate time scales, to provide the expected levels of service in line with current company systems, policies, and procedures. The duties the job holder will be required to undertake will include but are not limited to:

1. Working with the Chief Commercial Officer to develop and maintain the long-term strategic direction for own brands including overall ownership, creation and development of each product category.
2. Owning and monitoring the financial management of own brand to ensure decisions are made that positively impact on the P&L.
3. Owning and implementing the strategic direction of own brand, gathering and analysing market, consumer and competitor information to gain strong, differentiated insights and commercial advantages for the Group.
4. Defining the key milestones and performance indicators for own brand. Regularly reviewing and analysing the performance of the brands against these.
5. Managing the range strategy, continually review product ranges ensuring they remain relevant to the core customer. Monitor price points and specification differences versus the market and competition to ensure ZyroFisher remains competitive and drive growth.
6. Defining the design direction for the Altura seasonal collections through collaboration with the Altura Design & Development Team and Chief Commercial Officer.
7. Establishing, refining, and evolving the seasonal collections to ensure all products launch on time, are delivered to market, and meet agreed gross margin intake percentages.
8. Managing the Design & Development Team to design seasonal collections and storyboards incorporating input from Global Colour Forecasting Companies.
9. Managing the Design & Development Team to merchandise collections and finalise Visual Line Planners.
10. Managing the Design & Development Team and / or directly with approved factories to develop collections to meet timelines and launch dates.
11. Preparing category product planners to determine line-up, suggested retail prices and relevant gross margin percentage structure. Ensuring sign off with the Chief Commercial Officer and Financial Planning & Analysis Manager.
12. Collaborating with the sales teams to gather feedback on current products, competitor products and barriers to success in the marketplace.
13. Preparing and presenting seasonal collections at key internal meetings, ensure that the relevant sales team are fully equipped with all the necessary tools and information to maximise sales including samples, catalogues, price lists, selling presentations and marketing support.
14. Attending external sell-in meetings with key retailers to ensure clear understanding and buy-in of product ranges and technical features.
15. Visiting factories (when required) to ensure products are developed to creative direction.
16. Preparing for and attending relevant trade and consumer shows to present / represent / discuss the Brands and products and review feedback where applicable.

This is a fantastic opportunity which will suit an experienced and motivated individual who is keen to lead the Own Brand strategy for ZyroFisher and challenge best practice with new ways of thinking. You will be extremely organised, be deadline focussed and have a keen eye for detail.

Essential:

Experience of developing product and brand strategy.

5 years+ proven experience in leading a successful team.

5 years+ proven experience of leading product development and management.

A respected leader, keen to develop the team, encouraging personal development and success.

The ability to develop trusted partnerships with customers.

Exceptional communicator with the ability to influence externally and internally.

Strong commercial acumen with analytical skills and an experienced negotiator.

This role will require a minimum of 2 days per week in the Darlington office. At key times of the year, as required, this will increase to 3-4.

Desirable:

Knowledge of the cycling industry or any other sports.

Passion for and a good knowledge of bike categories and trends.