Head of Merchandising

Majuhome; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A retail company in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Head of Merchandising to lead product and inventory strategies. This role involves defining product vision, managing supplier relationships, and tracking inventory health. The ideal candidate has 8-12 years of experience in retail merchandising and strong analytical and negotiation skills. This is an opportunity for a strategic thinker to drive sales and innovation within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8–12 years’ experience in retail merchandising or category management (furniture, home, lifestyle, or fashion).
• Hands-on experience with data-driven decision-making.
• International sourcing exposure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define the overall product vision and category mix.
• Lead the buying process and manage supplier relationships.
• Own the OTB process and track inventory health.
• Lead the merchandising team.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Negotiation and supplier-relationship management

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or equivalent

Tools

ERP/WMS systems

Job description

The Head of Merchandising leads the company’s product and inventory strategy and policy— ensuring the right range, pricing, and stock mix to achieve sales and profit targets across all retail and online channels.

This role bridges design, sourcing, and commercial performance, balancing creativity with financial discipline.

Key Responsibilities

Define the overall product vision and category mix (living, dining, bedroom, office, outdoor, décor).

Analyze market trends, competitors, and customer insights to guide product selection and innovation.

Work with the Brand & Marketing team to plan seasonal product launches, hero items, and promotional focuses.

Ensure each brand/store concept (e.g., premium vs entry) has a distinct and consistent assortment identity.

2. Buying & Supplier Management

Lead the buying process — from supplier selection, negotiation, and cost control to final purchasing decisions.

Manage supplier relationships across key sourcing markets (China, Vietnam, Italy, etc.) to secure the best terms, exclusivity, and new design access.

Conduct regular overseas sourcing trips and fairs to identify trends and new opportunities.

Ensure vendor compliance with quality, delivery, and rebate agreements.

Build and maintain a structured pricing architecture by brand and category.

Monitor gross margin %, landed cost, and competitive price positioning.

Work closely with Finance on cost validation and margin control, and with Marketing on campaign pricing.

Evaluate markdown strategies to clear aged inventory while protecting brand value.

4. Inventory Planning & OTB Control

Own the OTB (Open-to-Buy) process and ensure purchasing aligns with sales budgets and sell-through targets.

Track inventory health monthly — stock turnover, months of cover, and ageing.

Collaborate with Warehouse on inbound scheduling and space management.

Maintain balanced stock allocation across showrooms and online channels.

5. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead the merchandising team, including buyers, planners, data entry executives, and category managers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or equivalent.
• 8–12 years’ experience in retail merchandising or category management (furniture, home, lifestyle, or fashion).
• Strong analytical skills with proven commercial judgment.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier-relationship management.
• Hands‑on experience with ERP/WMS systems and data‑driven decision‑making.
• International sourcing exposure preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with sharp commercial instincts.
• Strong numerical and analytical ability.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Balance of creativity and commercial discipline.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and execution‑driven.