Merchandise Manager

Job Summary

Responsible for overseeing and managing overall merchandising operations across multiple brands within the company, covering Product Development, Supplier & Factory Management, Production, Quality Management, and Delivery. The role focuses on team management, timeline and performance monitoring, risk management, and resolution of critical issues, as well as continuously improving merchandising processes to enhance operational efficiency and support overall business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Merchandising Management

· Oversee and manage overall merchandising operations across multiple brands.

· Set priorities and provide direction to ensure merchandising activities are aligned with each brand's Business Plan and Timeline.

· Monitor overall 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.

· Provide guidance and support in resolving critical issues escalated by the Merchandising team.

2. Product Development & Sample Management

· Oversee the overall Product Development and Sample Development processes to ensure alignment with established timelines and standards.

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

· Oversee production readiness prior to Bulk Production.

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

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

3. Supplier & Factory Management

· Manage and oversee local and overseas Suppliers/Factories.

· Evaluate 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.

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

· Manage and resolve critical Supplier/Factory issues that may impact Quality, Cost, or Delivery.

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

4. Production & Delivery Management

· Oversee overall Production and Delivery Performance across brands.

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

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

·  Support the team in resolving Production and Supplier Issues that may affect delivery.

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

5. Quality Management

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

· Monitor overall 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

· Develop and continuously improve 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.

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

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

7. Team Management & Development

· Lead, manage, and support the Merchandising team.

· Establish clear Roles, Responsibilities, Priorities, and Working Standards for the team.

· Monitor Team Performance and Workload to ensure effective management across multiple brands.

· Coach and provide guidance to team members in problem-solving and decision-making on complex issues.

· 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.

· Provide management with regular updates on Overall Status, Key Issues, Risks, and Critical Actions.

· Provide 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, 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 team management with the ability to manage multiple Brands/Projects simultaneously.

·  Strong Leadership, Problem-Solving, Negotiation, 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.