Head - Merchandiser

Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds; Mumbai; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds in Mumbai seeks a strategic Head of Merchandising with 8+ years in merchandising and luxury retail to lead planning, inventory optimization, and product allocation across stores. This role requires strong commercial acumen and a track record of guiding multi-store operations.

The candidate will drive analytics, KPI governance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure premium product availability and exceptional customer experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Admin, Retail, Fashion Merchandising or related field; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years progressively in merchandising, inventory planning or retail ops; 3-5 years in leadership.
• Luxury jewellery/premium retail experience preferred.
• Strong expertise in planning, forecasting, analytics and Excel mastery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall merchandising strategy aligned with business objectives and growth.
• Lead merchandise planning, buying support, inventory management, and product allocation across stores.
• Analyze sales and market trends to forecast demand and optimize assortment.
• Drive inventory productivity, minimize stock-outs, and reduce ageing inventory.
• Oversee store-wise allocation, inter-store transfers, replenishment, and launches.
• Collaborate with Buying, Design, Production, Supply Chain, Retail Ops, Marketing, and Finance.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Inventory optimization

Assortment planning

Demand forecasting

Retail analytics

ERP experience

Excel proficiency

GMROI analysis

Multi-store ops

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory management software

MIS reporting software

Job description

Qualification: Bachelor's Degree (Master's degree/MBA preferred)

Experience: 8+ Years

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field. MBA or Postgraduate qualification is preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, inventory planning, or retail operations, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Prior experience in luxury jewellery, diamonds, gemstones, or premium retail is highly preferred.
• Strong expertise in merchandise planning, inventory optimization, assortment planning, demand forecasting, and retail analytics.
• Thorough understanding of jewellery retail operations, product lifecycle management, and luxury customer experience.
• Experience managing multi-store retail merchandising operations.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, inventory management software, MIS reporting, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, commercial, and financial acumen with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data for strategic decision-making.

Position: Head of Merchandising

Industry: Luxury Jewellery Retail

Qualification: Bachelor's Degree (Master's degree/MBA preferred)

Experience: 8+ Years

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field. MBA or Postgraduate qualification is preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, inventory planning, or retail operations, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Prior experience in luxury jewellery, diamonds, gemstones, or premium retail is highly preferred.
• Strong expertise in merchandise planning, inventory optimization, assortment planning, demand forecasting, and retail analytics.
• Thorough understanding of jewellery retail operations, product lifecycle management, and luxury customer experience.
• Experience managing multi-store retail merchandising operations.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, inventory management software, MIS reporting, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, commercial, and financial acumen with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data for strategic decision-making.

Role Summary

The Head of Merchandising will lead the merchandising function across all retail stores, driving merchandise planning, inventory optimization, product allocation, and visual merchandising strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and customer experience. This role requires a strategic leader with extensive experience in luxury jewellery merchandising, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the right product is available at the right store and at the right time.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall merchandising strategy aligned with the company's business objectives, sales targets, and growth plans.
• Lead merchandise planning, buying support, inventory management, and product allocation across all retail stores.
• Analyze sales performance, customer buying behavior, market trends, and product performance to forecast demand and optimize merchandise assortment.
• Drive inventory productivity by ensuring optimum stock levels, minimizing stock-outs, and reducing ageing inventory through effective replenishment and liquidation strategies.
• Oversee store-wise merchandise allocation, inter-store transfers, replenishment planning, and new collection launches.
• Collaborate with Buying, Design, Production, Supply Chain, Retail Operations, Marketing, and Finance teams to ensure seamless product availability and execution.
• Establish and monitor merchandise KPIs, including sell-through, stock turn, inventory ageing, GMROI, and product productivity.
• Lead visual merchandising initiatives to ensure consistent luxury brand presentation and an enhanced customer shopping experience across all retail locations.
• Conduct regular store visits and merchandising audits to evaluate product presentation, stock health, VM standards, and operational compliance.
• Oversee merchandising MIS, inventory reports, sales dashboards, and performance analytics, ensuring accurate and timely reporting for leadership.
• Recommend pricing strategies, promotional activities, markdowns, and stock movement plans based on business performance and market demand.
• Drive seasonal merchandise planning, collection launches, and assortment strategies to maximize revenue and customer engagement.
• Build, mentor, and lead the merchandising team, fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, performance management, and capability development.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, inventory control processes, and operational standards across all retail locations.
• Strategic Merchandising & Business Planning
• Inventory & Demand Forecasting
• Retail Operations Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Communication & Presentation Skills

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Results-oriented leader with a strategic mindset.
• Strong understanding of luxury retail and customer buying behaviour.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.
• High attention to detail with a passion for product presentation and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, drive change, and improve business performance.