Untitled - Omnichannel Merchandising Manager

About

Dynamic and results-driven retail professional with extensive experience in retail category management and consulting, including both retail and FMCG clients. Specializing in developing product strategies, optimizing sales processes, and driving business growth, I am motivated by continuous improvement and innovative solutions. Proven ability to quickly adapt, acquire new skills, and take ownership in fast-paced environments, consistently contributing to business success and growth.

Work Experience

Omnichannel Merchandising Manager

MARIMEKKO

Jan 2023 - Dec 2024

Defining and executing relevant assortment strategy, making seasonal buys, and ensuring operational success to deliver consumer-centric assortments and experiences across e-commerce and physical retail channels.

Contributed to the Finnish retail team achieving record sales in 2024, driving +6% growth and surpassing €100 million for the first time in company history.
Led assortment planning and conceptualization as Project Manager for the most successful annual friendship sale in Marimekko's history.
Supported e-commerce and store operations development, including BI tool enhancements and overall operational improvements.

Management Consultant Analyst

ACCENTURE

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023

Consulted global retail and FMCG clients, focusing on optimizing merchandise promotion and providing data-driven analytical viewpoints.

Enhanced client decision-making on merchandise promotion strategies by analyzing where, what, and how to promote.
Delivered actionable analytical insights utilizing syndicated industry data, internal company data, visualizations, and advanced analytic applications.

Assistant Merchandise Planner

ZALANDO

Jan 2021 - Jan 2022

Managed merchandise planning within the Women's Streetwear Textile team.

Managed merchandise for 10 brands independently and in collaboration with buying colleagues.
Defined product assortments, supported seasonal buying initiatives, and managed intake, reordering, and pricing strategies.
Utilized advanced planning and forecasting tools to proactively identify and mitigate market risks and capitalize on opportunities.

Merchandise Specialist

HENNES & MAURITZ FINLAND

Jan 2019 - Jan 2021

Responsible for driving profitable net growth through commercial planning, pricing, reduction strategies, allocation, and stock optimization.

Developed and executed reduction/sale strategies that generated approximately 5% in discount savings, outperforming other regions.
Managed annual sales exceeding €10 million, contributing to the Sales Market's first profitable year in five years.

Education

Information System Sciences and Business Analytics

Aalto University School of Business

4.6

Sep 2017 - Jun 2019

Courses

Information System Sciences
Business Analytics

International Business

Aalto University School of Business

Sep 2014 - Jun 2017

Courses

International Business

Certificates

Digital Marketing Specialist

Mar 2023

Google Analytics for Beginners

Google

Feb 2023

Languages

Finnish (Native) , German (Native) , English (Fluent) , Swedish (Conversational) , Russian (Basic)

Skills

Project Management

Project Management

Business Development

Business Development

Category Management

Category Management

Business Analytics

Business Analytics

SQL

SQL

Assortment Optimization

Assortment Optimization

Commercial Strategy

Commercial Strategy

Excel

Excel
Spreadsheet Analysis

BI Tools

Business Intelligence Tools
Data Visualization

PowerBI

PowerBI
Data Reporting

Python

Python
Scripting

Interests

Travelling

Travel
Exploration

Cooking

Culinary Arts
Gastronomy

Podcasts

Audio Content
Learning

Bouldering

Climbing
Fitness

Tennis

Sports
Racquet Sports

Golf

Sports
Outdoor Activities

Football

Sports
Team Sports

Balanced & Healthy Lifestyle

Wellness
Health

Retail and eCommerce

Retail Industry
E-commerce Trends
Market Analysis

References

Contact details of reference persons available upon request.

Sebastian Karlsson