Merchandising Manager, Asia

Samsonite; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global luggage brand is seeking a Category Manager in Singapore. You will be responsible for developing and managing the category strategy for the APAC region, focusing on brand growth and product planning. The ideal candidate has at least 8 years of experience in merchandising or marketing, with strong negotiation skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. This role offers the opportunity to drive financial KPIs and collaborate with global teams to meet market demands.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in merchandising, sales, or marketing.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage category strategy and plans.
• Lead the Beyond-Travel category to define brand growth.
• Collaborate with design teams to create products for Asian consumers.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Influencing skills

Planning and organizing

Project management

Team player attitude

Education

University degree in business or marketing

Tools

Microsoft Office (strong in Excel)

SAP

Job description

This position is responsible for developing and managing the category strategy, recommending complete assortment plans, seasonal merchandise plans for relevant markets in order to meet financial and brand objectives for APAC region.

Job Description

• Complete category strategy and assortment plans
• Lead the Beyond-Travel category — shaping brand strategy and driving projects that will define the brand’s future growth.
• Work closely with design and product development teams to create compelling new products that truly resonate with Asian consumers.
• Curate the Asia product assortment through close collaboration with the global team, ensuring local relevance and brand coherence.
• Provide strategic guidance on assortment and inventory planning to maximize commercial performance and brand impact.
• Working with logistics and planning at distribution decisions.
• Review existing and new product categories to strengthen the single brand equity and enhance NOS
• Explore new features and inspiration opportunities to launch in products
• Ensure category portfolio and architecture are well managed regionally and locally
• Fully support markets to capture business opportunities
• Work with local markets and collect feedback for consumers needs and expectation on the brand and products through an integrated communication channels
• Ensure product strategy and create roadmap to show how we planned to improve business performance
• Continuously stay alert to market trend and competitive landscape
• Ensure product strategy and pipeline can cope with the shifting market trend and improve business performance
• Improve product merchandising across region
• Work closely with local markets to ensure product effective implementation and identify opportunities
• To keep an eye on competitions. Ensure the brand is competitive vs. competitions in all aspects increase market share.
• Strategize overall brand development. Implement effective plan to grow the brand in desirable direction to strive for the commercial success for the brand.
• Driving brand’s financial KPIs
• Work with local teams to drive the common financial goals of the brands or categories
• Works on to monitor overall inventory levels and sell-thru-n-in performance of countries to plan and forecast
• Regularly keep in touch and gather feedback from local offices and monitor status and effectiveness of implementation and work on solution for any gaps
• Provide day to day enquiries from local offices

Qualifications

• Education
  • University degree or above in business, marketing or other related.
• Experience Requirements
  • Minimum of 8 years merchandising/sales/marketing related experience equivalent required with international brands
  • Strong negotiation and influencing experience and skills
  • Strong planning and organizing and good sense of project management
  • A team player and can-do attitude
• Mobility / Travel
  • Occasional travel may be required
• Computer Skills
  • Hand on user on Microsoft Office, strong in Excel analysis tool, SAP user preferable
• Language
  • Fluency in English written and spoken skills
  • Able to read, write and speak in Mandarin is an advantage due to exposure to China market

Samsonite is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates without consideration of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or family situation. We actively cultivate a diverse workforce and promote inclusion in our workplaces. We hire based on merit and believe in selecting the best candidate for the job. People from all backgrounds, including those with special needs, are encouraged to apply.

All information provided by candidates will be used solely for recruitment purposes. Unsuccessful applications will be destroyed upon completion of the recruitment process.