Head of Merchandising

We're making a big move and we want you to be part of it.

We are relocating several of our core departments from London to Gothenburg, and as a result, we're growing our Swedish team in a major way. This means we're hiring across multiple departments simultaneously - including Brand, Product, Design, and more.

This is a unique moment to join a fast-moving, internationally recognised fashion brand as we expand our presence in Sweden. If you've been waiting for an opportunity to be part of something exciting - this is it.

Explore our open roles and find where you fit.

We are looking for our new Head of Merchandising to set the overarching merchandising strategy for Axel Arigato. This includes aligning brand vision and commercial goals across new product introductions, core assortment management, buying, and go-to-market planning. By leading the Merchandising team, this role ensures that trend-led innovation, disciplined inventory management, critical-path delivery, and cross-departmental alignment all operate within a unified strategic framework that maximizes margins and reinforces brand identity.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
You are a strategic, commercially minded leader who connects the dots between product, data, and brand. You build strong, trustworthy teams, make decisions with conviction, and thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Define and own the product strategy - seasonal direction, category priorities, pricing architecture, and channel mix.

• Steer the new product pipeline and go-to-market approach, translating trend insights into viable launches across DTC and B2B.

• Oversee the Merchandising team's work on the consolidated seasonal assortment and critical path, integrating core lines, new launches, and range segmentation into one plan.

• Direct buying strategies and stock allocation across DTC, B2B, retail, and outlets to optimize inventory turnover and stock management.

• Own the net margin and act as senior cross-functional liaison with Commercial, Finance, Design, and Marketing, to ensure product-level margin is secured throughout the P&L.

• Lead, develop, and coach the team; monitor trading performance and drive actions on slow-moving inventory.

ARE YOU THE ONE?

• Academic degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field

• 7+ years of experience in merchandising, buying, or range planning in fashion/retail

• 5+ years overseeing inventory, margin, and leading teams with full financial accountability

• At least two years within a brand/from footwear

• Strong leadership in team management and development

• Advanced financial skills, including expertise in Excel and complex data

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen - delivers results consistently

• Communicates and collaborates effectively across functions

HERE'S HOW TO APPLY

If you are ready to lead the merchandising strategy and help shape the next chapter of Axel Arigato, apply today and join the next chapter of our creative journey.

Apply by submitting your CV. We also welcome a short cover letter telling us why you think you would be a great fit for this role. Please do not include a photo or date of birth with your application; our recruitment process is competency based.

We review applications continuously and the position may be filled before the closing date.

DETAILS

Contract type: Full-time

Reports to: CPO

Location: Gothenburg

Work mode: On-site

Direct reports: Yes

Start date: ASAP

A BIT ABOUT AXEL ARIGATO

Founded in Sweden in 2014 by Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, Axel Arigato was born with a disruptive mindset, modernising and democratising the sneaker landscape through a blend of style, quality, community and a digital-first approach.

Grounded in Scandinavian minimalism and elevated with playful, intentional details, every piece is designed with care: crafted to move globally, worn with individuality.

What began online expanded into physical spaces built for energetic cultural exchange: stores and experiences where conversations, performances and unexpected activations dissolve the boundaries between brand and culture.

Today, Axel Arigato continues to evolve with purpose via a people-powered approach. It shows up where culture happens: on streets, at events and across cities.

Built on curiosity. Driven by connection.

OUR VALUES

DROP: Diversity, Respect, Openness and Passion are our core values. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.