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Director Kidswear

WE Fashion

Utrecht
Full-time
10+ years experience
On-site

Key Skills

Strategic Leadership
Kidswear Buying
Merchandising
Fashion Trend Analysis
Collection Development
Product Development
Sourcing
Commercial Performance Management
Revenue and Margin Management
Inventory Management
Open-to-Buy Management
In-Season Trading
Data Analysis
Team Leadership
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Process Improvement

Job Description

ABOUT THE VACANCY What if you could shape an entire Kidswear business, from the first creative idea to the product our customers find in store? As Director Kidswear at WE Fashion, you hold full end to end responsibility for our Boys and Girls collections. Design, Buying and Merchandising come together under your leadership as one team of around 35 people. You set the direction for the whole Kidswear business, not only the collection. Kidswear is an important part of our business, with real room to grow. We are looking for a leader who sees that potential, questions how we work today, and brings the vision, energy and commercial rigour to move Kidswear forward. YOU WORK FOR WE® You turn our brand and product strategy into a clear direction for Kidswear. Then you build what it takes to deliver it, creatively, commercially and operationally. You see the bigger picture and stay close to the product. You know what appeals to kids and their parents, and how quality, fit, price and newness come together in a strong collection. You follow the market, have a sharp eye for fashion and kidswear trends, and turn them into collections that are relevant, distinctive and commercially successful. You also know that a great idea only works when the numbers add up. What you will do: Set the direction. Define the strategic, creative and commercial vision for Boys and Girls, balancing newness and trends with the essentials our customers rely on. Own the product journey. Lead the full cycle from creative concept and range planning through product development, sourcing, buying and commercial execution, with one consistent direction throughout. Drive commercial performance. Own revenue, margin, stock turn, inventory, OTB, markdowns and in season trading. Use data, customer behaviour and sales insight to keep improving results. Connect creativity and commerce. Set clear creative and commercial frameworks. Push the teams to weigh trend, quality, fit and price against sourcing capability, manufacturability and commercial potential. Lead as one team. Unite Design, Buying and Merchandising behind a shared Kidswear vision, with clear ownership and the support, direction and challenge your teams need to perform at their best. Improve how we work. Simplify processes, remove roadblocks, raise efficiency and make sharper choices with a less is more mindset. Stay close to the market. Use customer insight, data, store visits, competitor analysis, trade fairs and supplier visits to spot opportunities and keep our collections relevant. Connect the business. Partner with the CPO, Marketing, Retail, E-commerce, Supply Chain and our Buying Office in Asia to deliver the Kidswear strategy across every channel. WHAT YOU BRING 10+ years in fashion retail, with extensive Buying or Merchandising experience in Kidswear and a thorough understanding of the full collection process. Several years in a strategic leadership role, leading multidisciplinary teams and senior professionals. Strong commercial and analytical skills, with a proven track record in revenue, margin, stock and in season performance. A strong eye for product and trends, connected to customer needs, brand identity and commercial opportunity. Solid knowledge of the full product journey: collection and assortment development, product management, product development and sourcing. An understanding of how Design, Buying and Merchandising strengthen each other, and the ability to align creative and commercial teams around one direction. An experienced people leader who inspires, connects and develops teams while building clear accountability. A strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset, ready to roll up your sleeves and turn ideas into action. The confidence to challenge the status quo and bring a fresh perspective. A strong sparring partner and communicator, comfortable at senior level and skilled at building relationships across functions. Fluent English in an international environment. Curiosity about how AI and new technologies can make product, buying and merchandising processes smarter and more efficient. We evaluate all applicants on competencies and experience, and we apply equal pay m/f/x. WE WORK FOR YOU With your product vision and commercial leadership, you shape the future of Kidswear at WE® — and that deserves something in return. You work for WE®, WE work for you. That’s why we offer: A competitive executive package that reflects the scope and responsibility of the role, including an attractive performance-based bonus scheme and a company car. Strong benefits, including 25 vacation days, 8% holiday allowance, pension, collective insurances and a 20% employee discount. An extra Moments that Matter Day each year, giving you an additional day off for a moment that has special meaning to you.

Core Responsibilities

Set and deliver the strategic, creative, and commercial direction for the Boys and Girls Kidswear business, leading the full product journey from concept and range planning through sourcing, buying, and in-season execution. Lead and align Design, Buying, and Merchandising teams while improving commercial results, processes, and collaboration across the business.

Requirements

Requires 10+ years of fashion retail experience, extensive Kidswear Buying or Merchandising expertise, and several years in strategic leadership of multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should bring strong commercial and analytical skills, product and trend judgment, full product-journey knowledge, senior-level communication skills, fluent English, and curiosity about using AI and new technologies to improve processes.

Benefits

  • Performance-Based Bonus
  • Company Car
  • 25 Vacation Days
  • 8% Holiday Allowance
  • Pension
  • Collective Insurance
  • 20% Employee Discount
  • Additional Annual Day Off

About WE Fashion

Industry: Retail

Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees

We are a successful Dutch multi-channel brand, with a strong base as a retailer and a successful position as an e-tailer. In fact, we aim to be the biggest in Western Europe. Bold? Yes. But we are well on our way. Our men's, women's and kids' collections are sold in over 130 stores across three countries, on wefashion.com and in over 20 countries via our online partners. Ambition, innovation and growth are our top priorities. We like to invest in you as a person, by stimulating and motivating you through training and coaching. Because only by letting our employees become the best version of themselves, can we as an organisation become the best version of ourselves. Ready to join our journey?

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