Merchandising Manager
Jakarta
Background & Purpose of the Job :
The Merchandising Manager is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive merchandising strategies that align with business objectives, enhance brand positioning, and drive sales growth. This role involves analyzing market trends, managing product assortment, optimizing visual displays, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure a compelling customer experience and achieve financial targets.
What You'll Do :
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Strategy Development:
- Develop and implement holistic merchandising strategies for product categories (e.g., apparel, home goods, electronics) that align with overall company vision and sales goals.
- Conduct in-depth market research, trend analysis, and competitive monitoring to identify customer preferences, emerging opportunities, and competitive landscape.
- Forecast inventory demands and sales trends to inform assortment planning and pricing strategies.
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Product Assortment & Planning:
- Oversee the end-to-end merchandising process, including product selection, assortment planning, pricing, and lifecycle management (from launch to markdown).
- Collaborate closely with buying, product development, and supply chain teams to ensure optimal product mix, timely delivery, and availability.
- Manage and monitor inventory levels, implementing strategies to reduce excess stock and optimize stock turns.
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Visual Merchandising & Presentation:
- Develop and implement visual merchandising guidelines and standards to ensure consistent and compelling brand presence across all retail touchpoints (in-store and online).
- Create appealing and eye-catching product displays, window displays, and store layouts that enhance the shopping experience and encourage sales.
- Analyze product performance and customer feedback to continually refine display strategies.
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Promotions & Sales Driving:
- Plan, execute, and monitor promotional strategies and campaigns (e.g., sales, seasonal events, new product launches) to drive customer engagement and increase footfall/online traffic.
- Work with marketing and sales teams to align merchandising initiatives with overall promotional calendars and communication strategies.
- Analyze sales data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure profitability.
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Vendor & Stakeholder Management:
- Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers, negotiating terms, pricing, and promotional support to maximize margin and sales opportunities.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Sales, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of merchandising plans.
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Team Leadership & Development (for senior roles):
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing merchandising team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Provide guidance and direction to junior merchandisers and visual merchandising staff.
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Reporting & Analysis:
- Prepare detailed reports on merchandising performance, sales analysis, and inventory levels.
- Present findings, insights, and recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.
- Monitor budgets for merchandising operations and ensure effective allocation of resources.
What You’ll Need To Succeed :
- 3-7+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, retail management, buying, or a related field, with a proven track record of driving sales growth and enhancing customer experience. (Experience level will vary depending on junior vs. senior role).
- Experience with digital merchandising and e-commerce platforms is increasingly essential.
- Familiarity with inventory management systems and demand forecasting software.
- Strong Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret sales data, market trends, customer insights, and financial metrics to make data-driven decisions. Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, BI dashboards).
- Business Acumen: Solid understanding of retail operations, supply chain, financial performance, and profitability drivers.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long-term merchandising plans that align with business objectives and anticipate market changes.
- Creativity & Visual Acumen: A keen eye for aesthetics, design principles, and product presentation to create visually appealing displays.
- Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate favorable terms with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and collaboration skills to interact effectively with diverse teams and external partners.
- Leadership & Team Management: Ability to motivate, guide, and develop a team towards achieving merchandising goals.
- Problem-Solving: Resourceful and adaptable, able to identify challenges and develop effective solutions in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in planning, execution, and data analysis.
- Customer-Centric: Strong understanding of consumer behavior and dedication to enhancing the customer shopping experience.
