Head of Merchandiser (Victoria's Secret)

Valiram; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury goods retailer in Kuala Lumpur seeks a Head of Merchandiser for Victoria's Secret. The role involves managing inventory, crafting buying strategies, and executing sales objectives. Candidates should have over 15 years of merchandising experience, strong leadership skills, and be fluent in English. This position requires effective communication and analytical capabilities, along with team management and strategic thinking for successful brand performance.

Qualifications

• Over 15 years of merchandising experience, preferably in retail.
• Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership capacity.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; ability to converse in other languages is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Craft and implement strategies to achieve sales and margin objectives.
• Manage overall inventory across regions and ensure product allocation.
• Lead team in analyzing product performance and making strategic recommendations.
• Maintain positive relationships with brand principals and retail operations.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Team building

Job description

Head of Merchandiser (Victoria's Secret)

Valiram was established in 1935 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, originally specializing in the textile trade. Today, Valiram is Southeast Asia’s leading luxury goods and 360° retail specialist with presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam and the Philippines. Operating more than 500 stores, it represents in excess of 200 brands across various categories, from fashion and accessories, timepieces and jewelry, perfume and cosmetics to confectionery and dining concepts.

As the Head of Merchandiser for Victoria's Secret, you will take ownership of the overall business from the merchandising point of view and assist on conceptualizing and implementing strategies to deliver pre-season and in-season sales and margin objectives for the brand, post-season clearance and outlet liquidation and Made-For-Outlet channel strategy. You will have the responsibility of crafting buying strategy, making purchase decisions and delivering financial results for the business. You will develop and execute seasonal plans by category and by store, and to maximize profit across the area of operation. You will be the inventory expert, tasked with accurately forecasting demand by door and ensuring allocation of the right product in the right stores at the right time.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

• Understand and support overall brand strategy through all business trading channels.
• Responsible for overall inventory management across regions.
• Lead to create merchandise classification analytics to help understand trends, pricing effects, and stock position.
• Lead the partnership with Logistics team to ensure timely delivery of PO’s to our warehouses and from our warehouse to the shop floors.
• Coach buyers/allocators/Merchandising Assistants on creating quality quarterly, seasonal and annual sales/stock plans.
• Create detailed reviews of seasonal/annual financial plans to insure correct sales and receipt flow, markdown plans, pricing strategy and other key components.
• Develop long range as well as short term merchandise strategies at the country/category/sku level.
• Review in-season performance and recommend in-season adjustments to achieve sales, margin and turnover goals.
• Lead the team in transitioning to new system, manage planning system issues and availability with support teams.
• Assist team in delivering sales and profit contribution of the brand.
• Overall responsible for ensuring the correct products are selected / ordered for the market according to the peculiarity of customers in the different doors.
• Lead in ensuring the products appear in the right store at the appropriate time and in sufficient units to maximize sales potential while minimizing lost sale opportunities.
• Monitor and analyze product performance through system generated reports, and to make recommendations on stock movement, reorders, promotion or markdowns whenever necessary.
• Gather information from retail personnel on customers’ reaction towards new products after each launch and to compare results with previous seasons launches.
• Gather information on key players in the luxury market in the area of new product launches, pricing, limited editions, promotional activities, etc.
• Monitor shipment fulfillment and delivery schedule.
• Maintain a comprehensive library of appropriate data for regular review.
• Be proficient in ad hoc analysis that drives sales and profit.
• Managing and maintaining a positive working relationship with the Brand principal.
• Ensure adherence and compliance to all retail operations procedures.
• Contribute positively to the team, share knowledge and regularly mentor new talent.
• Conduct Performance management Plan for staff bi annually with team member.
• Improve staff morale leading to positive and dynamic working attitude and environment.
• Supervise planner/associate planner to ensure plans meet financial and merchandising objectives and review buys at both top line and SKU level.
• Maintain general and acceptable staff working conditions.

Key Requirements

• Over 15 years of Merchandising experience preferably in retail and consumer-based environment. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in senior leadership/managerial capacity.
• Strong, independent leadership skills to manage and drive solutions.
• Good team building, interpersonal skills, coaching and people development skills.
• Strong communication skills; able to communicate effectively with people at all levels.
• A team player with positive mental attitude, excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Willing to travel both locally and overseas.
• Fluent English in written and spoken. Able to converse in other language(s) is an added advantage.