Matt Paton

Merchandise and Operations Manager (Football - Chelsea Fc) @Nike

Playing a key leadership role in the partnership between Nike and Chelsea FC, responsible for developing and leading the Nike product, licensing and merchandising strategy and managing the operation between Nike, the distribution centres and club stores. Accountabilities • Lead teams across the Merchandising function, distribution centre and store operations, responsible for design & product development, delivery and sales of all product ranges across Nike and Licensed CFC branded items. • Responsible for the P&L of the business unit measuring performance and leading each department manager on necessary actions to address shortfalls in their business areas. • Prepare and present quarterly business update presentations to the Nike & Chelsea Board outlining performance on financials and strategic direction. • Own the final assortment decisions across all categories for both Nike and club licensed product. • Assuming overall responsibility for budget, space, and store layout planning, finessing the right balance of Nike and club licensed product to match customer demand, optimising profitability and protecting the Nike brand. • Lead the club branded Licensing process by structuring deals, driving forward existing deals, maximising returns and ensuring documentation and contractual obligations are aligned to legal requirements. • Conduct licensee business reviews, measuring licensee performance to their strategic business plans and challenging continuous improvement in performance in relation to product development, innovation, sales and distribution. • Develop Nike / Chelsea marketing communications plan and execute through collaborating with Nike Sales / brand marketing / digital teams on product launches, monthly activations across retail and online stores and photo-shoots. • Ensuring the business maximises profitability through robust forecasting and accurately controlling stock levels to ensure high stock turns and limited stock clearance to protect margin.