Director Kidswear

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.

• 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.

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.

WE Fashion is a European fashion brand for men, women and kids: modern, stylish and accessible. With more than 100 stores and a strong online presence, we are redefining what mid market fashion can be: responsible, relevant and inspiring. Our ambition is to become the best fashion retailer and the most inspiring fashion e-tailer in Western Europe. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are part of our DNA, because WE Care.

At WE®, you have the creative freedom to shape one of the most recognisable fashion brands in the Netherlands, working hands on with product, retail and digital teams. You join an ambitious company in transformation, where ideas move fast, collaboration runs deep and creativity drives growth.

If you are ready to make WE Fashion more relevant, inspiring and desirable than ever, we would love to meet you.