📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Lead Brand Merchant JD, Jordan EMEA
🔹 Company: Nike
🔹 Location: Hilversum, Netherlands
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Footwear Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: July 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the Jordan Brand business within JD across EMEA
- Developing and executing JD assortment strategy in collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Representing the voice of the Jordan consumer shopping at JD
- Driving commercially sound and consumer-led account strategies
- Navigating complex cross-functional team environments through effective collaboration and communication
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of business, retail, and merchandising acumen, with a proven track record in driving results and consumer-led strategies.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and landing seasonal assortment plans that elevate the brand and retail experience
✅ Collaborating with Consumer FOP Merchandising team to translate seasonal assortment frameworks into JD-specific product offers
✅ Working with Global Product & Merchandising and Geo GEL teams to deliver product packages that strengthen Jordan's and JD's distinction
✅ Representing the voice of the Jordan consumer shopping at JD, leveraging insights to support future capacity and line planning
✅ Constantly reading and reacting to real-time consumer and marketplace signals to maximize short-term and long-term opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role demands sharp prioritization skills and the ability to balance big-picture thinking with detailed execution.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Extensive experience (5-10 years) in Merchandising, Buying, and/or Sales, with a focus on account-based MPU environments
Required Skills:
- Proven business, retail, and merchandising acumen
- Deep understanding of the total EMEA marketplace and consumer trends
- Strong product knowledge and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills
- Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills
- Proactive and solution-oriented mindset
- Resilience and adaptability in a fast-changing environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with the Jordan Brand
- Fluency in additional European languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a consumerist mindset and be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the total EMEA marketplace and consumer trends.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €70,000 - €90,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Employee discount on Nike products
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in the Netherlands.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Nike is a leading global footwear and apparel company, focusing on innovation, design, and sustainability
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (globally)
Founded: 1964, in Beaverton, Oregon, USA
Company Description:
- Nike is committed to redefining the future of sport through environmental sustainability
- The company focuses on innovative materials, reducing waste, circular design, energy efficiency, water stewardship, and transparency
- Nike offers a wide range of products, including footwear, apparel, and equipment, catering to various sports and consumers
Company Specialties:
- Footwear manufacturing
- Sports apparel and equipment
- Sustainable business practices
Company Website: Nike.com
ASSUMPTION: Nike's commitment to sustainability is a significant aspect of its brand and operations, setting it apart in the industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with the opportunity to lead and own the Jordan Brand business within JD across EMEA
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the JD Marketplace Unit (MPU) and collaborates with various cross-functional teams, including Consumer FOP Merchandising, Global Product & Merchandising, and Geo GEL teams
Work Arrangement: Full-time, with on-site work required in Hilversum, Netherlands, and potential flexibility for remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the role's scope and influence within the Jordan Brand and JD business
- Opportunities for professional development and skill-building within Nike's global organization
- Possibility to take on additional responsibilities or projects based on performance and company needs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their impact and develop their skills within Nike's global organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Nike's Hilversum office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation
Office Location(s): Hilversum, Netherlands
Geographic Context:
- Hilversum is located in the province of Noord-Holland, approximately 20 km southeast of Amsterdam
- The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to nature and cultural attractions
- Hilversum is well-connected by public transportation, with frequent train and bus services to Amsterdam and other major cities
Work Schedule: Standard office hours, with flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The Hilversum office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interview with the JD MPU leadership team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Merchandising and product expertise
- Consumer understanding and market awareness
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Cross-functional collaboration and communication
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in merchandising, buying, or sales, with a focus on account-based MPU environments
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the total EMEA marketplace and consumer trends
- Showcase strong communication and storytelling skills, with a compelling cover letter that explains your fit for the role
ATS Keywords: Merchandising, Buying, Sales, Commercial Acumen, Stakeholder Management, Negotiation, Influencing, Product Knowledge, Consumer Trends, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Strategic Planning, Detail Orientation, Problem Solving, Communication, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Resilience
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing candidates' merchandising expertise, consumer understanding, and strategic thinking.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Merchandising and planning software (e.g., JDA, Blue Yonder)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary, depending on the candidate's background and the needs of the JD MPU team.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovate and experiment
- Embrace inclusion
- Lead with integrity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and resilient
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Nike's values in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully navigated a complex, cross-functional team environment?
- How do you stay up-to-date with consumer trends and market changes in the footwear and apparel industry?
ASSUMPTION: Nike values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and integrity.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Balancing short-term opportunities with long-term strategic planning
- Adapting to changes in consumer behavior, market trends, and company priorities
- Working effectively in a remote or hybrid work arrangement, as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, requiring strong communication, collaboration, and adaptability skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the Jordan Brand within JD across EMEA, requiring a deep understanding of the brand and its consumers
- Compared to other merchandising roles, this position offers the opportunity to lead and own the Jordan Brand business within JD, with a significant impact on the brand's success
- Career progression may involve expanding the role's scope, taking on additional responsibilities, or moving into a leadership position within Nike's global organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and own the Jordan Brand business within JD, with significant growth potential for the right candidate.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a seasonal assortment plan for the Jordan Brand within JD, in collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Conducting consumer research and market analysis to inform merchandising strategies and product offerings
- Working with Global Product & Merchandising and Geo GEL teams to deliver product packages that strengthen Jordan's and JD's distinction within the Athletic Specialty marketplace
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a snapshot of the types of initiatives and responsibilities associated with this role, but the specific projects may vary based on the candidate's background and the needs of the JD MPU team.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of the Jordan Brand within JD across EMEA, and what opportunities exist for growth and improvement?
- How does this role collaborate with other functions and teams within Nike, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this position?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Jordan Brand within JD, and how can this role address them?
- How does Nike support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What is the expected work-life balance for this position, and how does Nike support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's priorities, challenges, and opportunities for growth, as well as Nike's approach to employee development and work-life balance.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in merchandising, buying, or sales, with a focus on account-based MPU environments
- Prepare examples of your consumer research, market analysis, and merchandising strategies to demonstrate your expertise and approach to the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
