Head - Merchandising - Apparel
A Client Of Exponent Consulting Pvt Ltd · Remote · onsite · Posted 87d ago
About a minute. You'll make an account on the way through.
About this role
Role Summary:
The Head of Merchandising leads the end-to-end merchandising function across Thailand and other markets in SE Asia with accountability for seasonal planning, Open-to-Buy (OTB), allocation, in-season trading, markdown management, and inventory productivity across stores and e-commerce.
The role partners closely with the franchisor's regional teams and drives data-led merchandising through analytics and AI to maximize sales, margin, and stock performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute merchandise strategies aligned with brand direction, customer demand, and financial objectives.
- Own seasonal planning, OTB, WSSI, assortment selection, inventory, pricing, and markdown strategies.
- Lead in-season trading through sales analysis, forecasting, replenishment, allocation, and stock optimization.
- Manage omni-channel merchandising to ensure product availability and coordinated launches across stores and e-commerce.
- Serve as the primary merchandising partner to the franchisor while collaborating with retail, marketing, supply chain, finance, and visual merchandising teams.
- Champion the use of data, BI, and AI to improve forecasting, allocation, reporting, and merchandising decision-making.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing regional merchandising team, fostering commercial excellence and digital capability.
Key Performance Indicators:
- Sales and profit versus plan
- Gross margin and markdown performance
- Sell-through and stock turn
- Inventory productivity and availability
- GMROI and forecast accuracy
- E-commerce contribution
Candidate Profile:
- 12+ years of fashion buying/merchandising experience, including at least 5 years leading merchandising within a fast-fashion, value fashion, or vertically integrated retailer.
- Strong expertise in OTB, WSSI, assortment planning, allocation, replenishment, and inventory optimization.
- Experience managing both retail stores and e-commerce, preferably across Southeast Asia.
- Franchise or global brand experience is highly desirable.
- Proficient in merchandising systems, BI tools, and AI-enabled planning solutions, with practical use of generative AI to improve productivity and decision-making.
- Commercially driven leader with strong analytical, stakeholder management, and team leadership capabilities.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or a related discipline.
- Fluent English required; Thai and/or Bahasa Indonesia is an advantage.
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