Assistant Merchandising Manager

Bluebell Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bluebell Group in Malaysia seeks an Assistant Merchandising Manager to lead merchandise planning, buying, and inventory management for assigned brands. You will analyse performance, optimise product mix, and ensure availability across stores to maximise sales and margin.

Requirements include a Diploma or Degree in Merchandising or related field and 3–5 years in merchandising or retail, with strong analytical, Excel, and negotiation skills. Willingness to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Merchandising, Fashion, Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in merchandising, buying, planning, or retail, preferably within fashion, luxury, beauty, lifestyle, or premium retail.
• Strong understanding of merchandise planning, buying, and inventory management.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal merchandise plans based on sales performance, business objectives, market trends, and brand direction.
• Plan product assortment, quantities, size allocation, and store requirements.
• Coordinate seasonal buying activities and product selections with brand principals.
• Prepare sales and inventory analysis to support buying and order decisions.
• Review and consolidate purchase orders to ensure quantities are aligned with merchandise plans and sales forecasts.
• Monitor order confirmations, product availability, delivery schedules, cancellations, and changes.
• Maintain accurate records of seasonal collections, orders, and product information.
• Monitor sales performance by brand, category, product, and store.
• Analyse sell-through, stock turn, gross margin, and product performance.
• Identify best-selling, slow-moving, and underperforming products and recommend appropriate actions.
• Monitor performance against sales and merchandise targets.
• Provide recommendations on product mix and assortment based on sales results and market trends.

Skills

Merchandising

Buying

Planning

Inventory management

Analytical skills

Numerical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Independent working

Time management

Education

Diploma or Degree in Merchandising

Fashion

Business Administration

Retail Management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Assistant Merchandising Manager is responsible for merchandise planning, product assortment, buying, inventory management, and product performance for assigned brands. The role ensures the right products are available in the right stores, at the right time and quantity, while maximising sales, profitability, and inventory efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning & Buying

Develop seasonal merchandise plans based on sales performance, business objectives, market trends, and brand direction.

Plan product assortment, quantities, size allocation, and store requirements.

Coordinate seasonal buying activities and product selections with brand principals.

Prepare sales and inventory analysis to support buying and order decisions.

Review and consolidate purchase orders to ensure quantities are aligned with merchandise plans and sales forecasts.

Monitor order confirmations, product availability, delivery schedules, cancellations, and changes.

Maintain accurate records of seasonal collections, orders, and product information.

Monitor sales performance by brand, category, product, and store.

Analyse sell-through, stock turn, gross margin, and product performance.

Identify best-selling, slow-moving, and underperforming products and recommend appropriate actions.

Monitor performance against sales and merchandise targets.

Provide recommendations on product mix and assortment based on sales results and market trends.

Inventory & Stock Management

Monitor inventory levels across stores and warehouse to maintain healthy stock availability.

Monitor stock coverage, inventory turnover, excess stock, and aged inventory.

Determine stock allocation and replenishment requirements based on store performance, capacity, and customer demand.

Recommend stock transfers, replenishment, markdowns, and other inventory actions where appropriate.

Work with Retail, Logistics, and Warehouse teams to ensure timely stock movement and availability.

Minimise stock shortages, excess inventory, and stock ageing.

Monitor product pricing and ensure prices are maintained accurately according to brand and company requirements.

Analyse promotional and markdown performance.

Recommend markdown strategies for slow-moving and aged inventory.

Coordinate with Retail, Finance, Marketing, and Brand teams on promotional and commercial activities.

Monitor the impact of promotions and markdowns on sales, margin, and inventory.

Brand & Cross-Functional Coordination

Maintain regular communication with brand principals on collections, product availability, orders, deliveries, and commercial matters.

Work closely with Retail teams to gather store-level feedback and understand customer demand.

Coordinate with Logistics and Warehouse teams on shipment schedules and stock availability.

Liaise with Finance on sales, margin, inventory, and related financial information.

Collaborate with Marketing and Visual Merchandising teams on product launches, campaigns, and seasonal activities.

Market & Competitor Analysis

Monitor local market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activities.

Analyse competitor product ranges, pricing, promotions, and positioning.

Provide market insights and recommendations to support merchandise planning and buying decisions.

Identify opportunities for new products, categories, or commercial initiatives.

Reporting & Administration

Prepare regular merchandising reports covering sales, inventory, sell-through, margin, orders, and product performance.

Maintain accurate merchandise planning, buying, and inventory records.

Monitor key merchandising KPIs and highlight significant risks and opportunities.

Ensure timely completion of merchandising-related reports and documentation.

Requirements

Diploma or Degree in Merchandising, Fashion, Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field.

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in merchandising, buying, planning, or retail, preferably within fashion, luxury, beauty, lifestyle, or premium retail.

Strong understanding of merchandise planning, buying, and inventory management.

Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools.

Strong organisational and time management skills.

Good communication and negotiation skills.

Commercially minded with strong attention to detail.

Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Willing to travel when required.

Advertising, Marketing & Communications Services 51-100 employees

Bluebell Group

Since 1954, the BLUEBELL GROUP has been successfully marketing and promoting imported products of the highest quality throughout Asia. Through experience, we have developed a deep understanding of how to market and promote these exclusive lifestyle products, and build them into powerful brands with large and longstanding recognition. These products include fashion, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, leather goods and homeware. To cope with our continuous growth, we are inviting high caliber individuals to join us as: -

An international Fashion and Accessories distributor is inviting enthusiastic individuals to join its team.

What We Do

We are the brand behind the brands, the partner of choice across Asia for luxury brands

We selectively introduce and build brands across Asia

We bring a blend of Eastern and Western culture

We tailor distribution strategies to ensure complete respect of the brands equity

We maintain close relationships with all the major real estate and media companies

We are family owned and have enjoyed a strong presence in Asia for more than 50 years

We provide access to multiple distribution channels with expertise across luxury product market

We understand and share the long-term vision of the brand