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.
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