Job Description

Objectives
This role will be responsible to lead merchandise strategy and execution across multiple markets. The individual is also responsibile for overseeing product development, assortment planning, supplier relationships, and in-store or digital merchandise programs to drive brand engagement and incremental revenue — while unlocking opportunities for merchandise-led growth in local and global markets.

Position Responsibilities
Strategic Merchandise Development

• Lead end-to-end merchandise strategy for the region, aligned with brand positioning, seasonal campaigns, and customer insights.
• Partner with creative, marketing, and operations teams to ensure merchandise supports brand storytelling and business goals.
• Coordinate regional merchandise launches and ensure alignment across markets.

Product Development Cycles

• Oversee product development cycles — from concept to launch — for branded merchandise, packaging, and limited editions.
• Develop and maintain merchandise catalogues for product portfolios, inclusive of Product Development Go-to-market plans and visual merchandising displays.
• Analyze sales performance, market trends, and customer feedback to optimize assortments and identify new product opportunities.
• Conduct market and trend analysis to recommend new product ideas and optimize existing ranges.

External Supplier Management

• Manage supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, production timelines, and quality control in collaboration with procurement.

Internal Inventory Management

• Maintain a centralized system for product specs, timelines, and vendor communications.
• Review sales data and inventory reports to recommend adjustments to merchandise plans.
• Monitor inventory levels, logistics, and distribution to ensure availability and minimize excess.
• Ensure timely delivery of merchandise and resolve issues in production or quality with QA/QC team.

Team Management

• Supervise the Brand Merchandise team and external vendors to manage budget and resource allocation.
• Lead and mentor local merchandising teams; report on KPIs to senior leadership.

Job Requirements

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in retail merchandising, preferably within the FMCG, QSR, lifestyle, or consumer goods industry.
• Proven experience in leading merchandise strategy and execution across multiple markets or regions.
• Strong understanding of product development cycles — from concept to go-to-market, including packaging and visual merchandising.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint); experience with merchandise management systems is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability in supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, production management, and quality control collaboration.
• Experience in analyzing sales performance, market trends, and customer feedback to drive data-informed merchandise decisions.
• Familiarity with inventory management, including monitoring stock levels, logistics coordination, and minimizing excess.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team, manage cross-functional collaboration, and coordinate with marketing, creative, operations, and procurement teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, creativity, and a results-driven mindset, with attention to detail and a focus on delivering high-impact merchandise programs.
• Excellent project management, stakeholder communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience working with external vendors, regional teams, and managing KPIs for senior leadership reporting.
• Bonus: Experience in limited edition launches, brand storytelling through merchandise, and digital merchandise integration.
  

a Necessity, not a Luxury
 

Skills