Manager, Sourcing & Merchandising (Edutainment) - 1 Year Contract

Mandai Wildlife Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation-focused organization in Singapore seeks a dynamic Merchandising Manager to oversee the development of engaging merchandise under the Ranger Buddies brand. This role will involve product development, supplier management, and maintaining brand integrity. The ideal candidate should have strong experience in merchandising, supply chain management, and a passion for sustainability.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in merchandising, supply chain, or product development.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain and product development processes.
• Comfortable working in fast-changing environments with limited resources.

Responsibilities

• Drive the design-to-production process for merchandise.
• Collaborate with internal teams to bring concepts to life.
• Manage merchandising budgets and supplier contracts.

Skills

Supply chain management

Negotiation skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or Product Design

Job description

About this role

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Merchandising Manager to lead the development and execution of merchandise under the Ranger Buddies brand. This role will focus on product development, supplier management, and the creation of merchandise that resonates with children and families while supporting our mission of conservation and sustainability. The successful candidate will bring supply chain know‑how, flexibility in problem‑solving, and the ability to balance creative ambitions with manufacturing realities.

Who You Are

You are a builder at heart — someone who thrives when things aren’t perfectly defined. You’ve probably worked in an early‑stage startup or small, fast‑moving team where a product idea had to be turned into something real. Plans change, designs evolve, and yet you’ve learned how to make it happen without losing sight of quality or deadlines.

You’re comfortable with chaos but bring order when it’s needed. When last‑minute changes come in, you don’t panic — you assess, reconfigure, and find the best way forward. You understand supply chain realities, you can talk manufacturing with suppliers, and you know just enough about engineering to call out when something won’t work (or suggest how it could).

You’re also a diplomat. In merchandising, everyone has an opinion — from designers to marketers to leadership to clients. You know that not every opinion can be acted on, and you have the judgment to pick the battles worth fighting while keeping relationships strong.

If you’ve worked on licensed merchandise before, you know how to navigate brand/IP rules and manage the added complexity that comes with it. That’s a big plus.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive the design‑to‑production process for Ranger Buddies merchandise, ensuring products are engaging, safe, and aligned with brand values.
• Translate creative ideas into manufacturable products, balancing innovation, feasibility, cost, and sustainability.
• Apply technical/engineering know-how to evaluate materials, construction, and production methods to ensure durability and quality.
• Identify, assess, and negotiate with suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring alignment on quality, cost, and timelines.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors globally to ensure agility in production.
• Manage production timelines, inventory, and quality control, making swift adjustments when last‑minute changes occur.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Diplomacy

• Collaborate with internal teams (design, marketing, sales) to bring merchandise concepts to life.
• Balance diverse perspectives, knowing when to accommodate and when to push back, ensuring product development stays on track.
• Serve as a mediator between creative ambitions and operational realities.

Licensing & Brand Integrity

• Support licensed merchandise initiatives, ensuring compliance with brand/IP guidelines.
• Work with licensing partners to develop products that uphold Ranger Buddies’ educational and conservation mission.
• Manage merchandising budgets, cost structures, and supplier contracts.
• Ensure cost efficiency without compromising quality or brand standards.
• Partner with finance teams to track spend, margins, and overall merchandise profitability.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Product Design, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain and product development processes.
• Familiarity with manufacturing methods, materials, and sustainability considerations.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to manage internal and external stakeholders.
• 5‑7 years of experience in merchandising, supply chain, or product development, ideally in consumer products, retail, or children’s merchandise.
• Proven experience managing suppliers and manufacturers, with a strong track record of bringing products from concept to market.
• Experience in startups, scale‑ups, or early‑stage ventures:
  • Comfortable working with limited resources and incomplete information.
  • Able to pivot quickly when plans change, while still driving progress.
  • Hands‑on problem solver who is as comfortable in a supplier meeting as in a brainstorming session.
  • Resilient in fast‑changing environments, balancing creative demands with practical execution.
• Exposure to licensed merchandise development and compliance processes is a strong advantage.
• Experience balancing creative design ambitions with operational execution.
• Passion for children’s products, edutainment, or sustainability is highly desirable.
• Global or cross‑cultural experience in merchandising and supplier management is a plus.

Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don’t transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad.