Merchandising Executive

Japan House London

London

On-site

GBP 35,000 - 50,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Remote GP service

Cycle to work scheme

Employee discount for the Japan House Shop

Access to local discounts

Job summary

A cultural destination in London is seeking a Merchandising Executive to manage product purchasing processes and support commercial opportunities. The candidate should have over 5 years of high-end retail merchandising experience and strong analytical and communication skills. The role involves inventory management, category strategy development, and administrative support. A flexible workplace environment with remote work and generous benefits is offered.

Qualifications

5+ years of experience in a high-end retail merchandising role.
Competent user of an inventory management and other retail IT systems.

Responsibilities

Monitor forecasts, stock levels, lead times, and orders for optimal inventory.
Develop and execute category management strategies for assigned products.
Manage end-to-end ordering process for replenishment and new products.
Assist in translating product names from Japanese to English.
Develop and update weekly and monthly sales reports.

Skills

Business analytical skills

English language proficiency

MS Office Suite including advanced Excel

Numerical and analytical skills

Commercial awareness

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Inventory management systems

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Merchandising Executive role at Japan House London

Japan House London is a cultural destination offering guests the opportunity to experience the best and latest from Japan. Located on London’s Kensington High Street, the experience is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests. Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, it deepens the visitor’s appreciation of all that Japan has to offer. Part of a global initiative led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are two other Japan Houses, one in Los Angeles and the other in São Paulo.

MISSION

Increase the awareness of all aspects of Japan and Japanese cultures and foster partnerships between the peoples of Japan and the UK and create future sustainability.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

As Merchandising Executive, you will be responsible for managing product purchasing process for your assigned categories of products and support the Merchandising Team members to maximise commercial opportunities through the effective management of operational process, driving sales through improved product availability and inventory turnover. Main tasks include product ordering, maintaining records in Japanese and English, reporting, support for product launches and translating Japanese product information to the team.

Responsibilities

Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Monitor forecasts, stock levels, lead times, and orders to ensure optimal inventory. Optimize the supply chain to maximize gross margin and ensure on time deliveries. Manage all import and export legal responsibilities. Ensure accurate and timely delivery of stock by maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Category Strategy & Product Lifecycle Management: Develop and execute category management strategies for assigned product categories. Manage the product lifecycle, identifying aging items and making recommendations to improve the sell-through in assigned product categories. Maintain awareness of competitive activity and new opportunities in the market, by attending trade shows and supplier’s visit to improve assortment and sales performance.
Ordering & Procurement: Manage the end-to-end ordering process for replenishment and new products, and purchase order processing. Regularly review replenishment levels to ensure maximum store performance and raise any issues with the Merchandising Team. Maintain accurate and up to date stock levels to ensure there is enough stock cover across each category and ensure reordering. Build and maintain communication with external suppliers to ensure the smooth flow of goods. Monitor delivery schedules, liaising with logistics providers, couriers, and suppliers, and updating the Stock Controller and Retail Service Team accordingly. Set pricing and margin strategy in coordination with the Senior Merchandising Manager. Monitor supplier invoices to ensure that payments are made in a timely manner, working closely with the Finance team to resolve any issues.
Product & Retail System Management: Register new product information in the retail system and maintain SKU details for in-store and online sales and update any change in product information. Assist in translating product names from Japanese to suitable English names following company guidelines. Provide up-to-date product launch schedules and any information needed to assist the Retail Service Team.
Reporting & Analysis: Develop and update weekly and monthly Sales reports, and Inventory levels across all categories. Assist Merchandising team by providing reports and dashboard to support decision-making and strategy development.
Administrative Support & Communication: Maintain an organized filing system on the shared drive (POs, invoices, supplier details, contracts, etc.). Assist the Retail Service Team with product information and customer queries. Develop and maintain a product risk register.

Qualifications & Experience

5+ years of experience of working in a high-end retail merchandising role
Batchelor’s degree or equivalent
Experience of and competent user of an inventory management and other retail IT systems

Skills

High standard of business analytical skills
High business standard English language skills are essential
Excellent level of MS Office suite including advanced Excel skills including VLOOKUPs and SUMIFs
High level of numerical and analytical skills
Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
A high level of personal drive & commitment
Ability to multi-task and prioritize work
Excellent attention to detail
An understanding of Japan or Japanese cultures would be an advantage
Support the culture of service excellence, both internally and externally and good team player
Reliable, well organised and ability to prioritise workload
Good at problem solving

Work Environment

Our aim is for a flexible approach to work locations, balancing regular on-site presence and working remotely. The mix of office-based working and remote working will be determined by business need and role requirements.
Normal working hours are eight hours per day, five days per week, with core hours from 10am to 3pm.
Additional after-hours project and event-related work may often be required
Some duties will be carried out in Japan House London public spaces

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance – up to 36 days per year inclusive of public and bank holidays
Remote GP service
Cycle to work scheme
Employee discount for the Japan House Shop and Stand
Discount platform for high street shops
Access to perks and discounts local to Kensington High Street, London
Personal learning budget

Japan House London is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating discrimination. We look forward to receiving applications from all, and particularly those from under-represented groups as we grow and develop our team.

Seniority level