Merchandising Manager

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

Job summary

Valiram is seeking a Merchandising Manager in Kuala Lumpur to own the merchandising strategy, oversee seasonal plans, and drive sales and margins across multiple brands and channels.

You will forecast demand by door, optimize product allocation, and mentor a team of buyers and planners to maximize profitability while maintaining brand standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum Diploma or Degree in Merchandising, Food Industry Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of management experience in merchandising within footwear, handbags, beauty, fashion, or premium retail.
• Strong analytical capabilities to evaluate retail data, inventory turnover, and market trends.

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 understand trends and stock position.
• Coach buyers/allocators on quarterly, seasonal and annual sales/stock plans.
• Develop long-range and short-term merchandising strategies at country/category/SKU level.
• Review in-season performance and adjust to meet sales and margin goals.
• Monitor shipment fulfilment and delivery schedule.

Skills

Merchandising leadership

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Forecasting

Inventory management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Diploma or Degree in Merchandising

Tools

Retail inventory software

Spreadsheet software

Job description

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, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam and the Philippines. Operating more than 500 stores, a number which continues to grow, the group represents in excess of 200 brands across various categories, from fashion and accessories, timepieces and jewelry, perfume and cosmetics to confectionery and dining concepts.

Learn more about us at www.valiram.com

• Beauty (Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Rituals, Molton Brown)
• Fashion (Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Tory Burch, Chloe, MLB Korea, Giuseppe Zanotti, Charles & Keith, Pedro etc)
• Accessories (Swarovski, Mont Blanc)
• Travel Retail (Hermes, Bvlgari, The Flying Emporium, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Beaute Love, Ion Gizmos, Candy Party, Wear + When, Tumi)

Position Summary

As the Merchandising Manager, 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 channel strategy. You will have the responsibility of crafting buying strategy, make 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 market in the area of new product launches, pricing, limited editions, promotional activities, etc.
• Monitor shipment fulfilment 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.

Key Requirements

• Minimum Diploma or Degree in Merchandising, Food Industry Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of management experience in merchandising within footwear, handbags, beauty, fashion, or Retail Gourmet / Premium Confectionery.
• Strong analytical capabilities to evaluate retail data, inventory turnover, product shelf-life, and market trends to optimize product assortment and drive category profitability.
• Proficient in computer skills, retail inventory management software, and advanced spreadsheet applications.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills to build strong relationships with international brand principles and local suppliers.
• Ability to communicate effectively and confidently at all levels, from boutique store teams to executive management.
• High level of discretion and integrity in handling confidential margin structures, supplier terms, and business plans.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English, with proficiency in additional languages being an added advantage.