Assistant Merchandising Manager

1. Merchandising Management

·         Support the Merchandise Manager in overseeing and managing merchandising operations across multiple brands.

·         Coordinate priorities and follow up merchandising activities to ensure alignment with each brand's Business Plan and Timeline.

·         Monitor Product Development, Sampling, Production, Quality, and Shipment progress to ensure execution according to plan.

·         Identify and monitor Key Issues, Risks, and Critical Timelines that may impact production or delivery.

·         Proactively identify potential issues and risks, recommend appropriate actions, and drive follow-up with relevant parties until resolution.

·         Coordinate and follow up on critical issues with the Merchandising team and relevant functions, and escalate key issues to the Merchandise Manager when required.

2. Product Development & Sample Management

·         Coordinate and monitor Product Development and Sample Development processes to ensure alignment with established timelines and standards.

·         Monitor the overall status of Development Samples and Project Tracking.

·         Coordinate production readiness prior to Bulk Production.

·         Support the team in resolving and following up critical issues related to Product Development, Samples, Quality, and Timelines.

·         Coordinate with Design, Brand, Suppliers, and relevant teams to ensure product development objectives are achieved.

3. Supplier & Factory Management

·         Coordinate and manage day-to-day activities with local and overseas Suppliers/Factories.

·         Support the evaluation of Supplier Capability and Performance in terms of Product Category, Quality, Capacity, Lead Time, and Delivery.

·         Support Supplier/Factory selection and management based on Product Category and Business Requirements.

·         Coordinate Supplier Onboarding and ensure effective communication of company standards and working requirements.

·         Manage and follow up Supplier/Factory issues that may impact Quality, Cost, or Delivery, and escalate critical issues when required.

·         Support Supplier Performance development and maintain effective working relationships with Suppliers/Factories.

4. Production & Delivery Management

·         Monitor Production and Delivery Performance across assigned brands/projects.

·         Monitor Production Progress and Critical Timelines to ensure alignment with Delivery Plans.

·         Identify and monitor risks that may impact Production Lead Times and Shipments.

·         Coordinate and follow up Production and Supplier Issues that may affect delivery.

·         Coordinate with relevant internal teams to ensure efficient Production and Delivery processes.

5. Quality Management

·         Coordinate and monitor Quality Control processes and product quality standards in accordance with company requirements.

·         Monitor Quality Performance and key quality issues related to Suppliers/Factories.

·         Support the team in resolving and following up on significant quality issues.

·         Coordinate with Suppliers/Factories and relevant teams to ensure products meet required Quality Standards.

·         Support continuous improvement of Quality Processes to enhance efficiency and maintain product quality standards.

6. Process Improvement & Standardization

·         Support the development and continuous improvement of Merchandising Processes, SOPs, Workflows, and Working Standards.

·         Analyze Process and Operational Issues and recommend improvement opportunities.

·         Develop and improve tracking tools and systems to support effective merchandising management.

·         Support Process Standardization and effective collaboration across brands and relevant functions.

·         Support the development of scalable merchandising processes to accommodate business growth.

7. Team Coordination & Development

·         Support the Merchandise Manager in coordinating and supporting the Merchandising team.

·         Follow up Roles, Responsibilities, Priorities, and Working Standards within assigned projects.

·         Monitor Team Workload and project progress to support effective management across multiple brands.

·         Provide guidance and support to team members in problem-solving and follow-up on operational issues as assigned.

·         Support the development of team knowledge and competencies.

·         Promote effective teamwork, communication, and collaboration within the Merchandising team.

8. Cross-functional & Management Coordination

·         Collaborate closely with Design, Brand, Marketing, Operations, Warehouse, and other relevant functions.

·         Coordinate and facilitate resolution of key issues between Merchandising, Internal Teams, and Suppliers.

·         Prepare and provide regular updates on Overall Status, Key Issues, Risks, and Critical Actions to the Merchandise Manager.

·         Provide data, insights, and recommendations to support decision-making related to Merchandising Operations.

·         Support Cross-functional Projects and Initiatives as required.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.

·         Relevant experience in Merchandising, Product Development, or Production within the Fashion, Apparel, or Retail industry.

·         Previous experience as a Senior Merchandiser, Assistant Merchandising Manager, or in a similar role.

·         Strong understanding of Product Development, Sampling, Production, Quality Control, and Shipment processes.

·         Experience in managing and coordinating with local and/or overseas Suppliers/Factories.

·         Knowledge of Garment, Fabric, Production Processes, and Quality Control will be an advantage.

·         Experience in coordinating multiple Brands/Projects simultaneously and working effectively with cross-functional teams.

·         Strong Problem-Solving, Negotiation, Coordination, and Decision-Making skills.

·         Strong analytical and Process Improvement capabilities.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets for Tracking, Reporting, and Data Analysis.

·         Good command of English with the ability to communicate effectively with overseas Suppliers.

·         Chinese language skills or experience working with Suppliers/Factories in China will be considered an advantage.

·         We are looking for someone who does not only follow tasks, but can understand the business objectives, identify potential risks and issues, and proactively drive the next actions toward resolution.