Assistant Merchandising Manager, FSN & WFJ

Job description

Job Purpose: The Assistant Merchandising Manager is a key contributor to the Fashion & WFJ Division, co-owning merchandising strategies, driving category performance, and operating with increasing autonomy. The role requires strategic thinking, proactive leadership, and the ability to influence cross-functional partners to deliver business objectives. The role of Assistant Merchandising Manager provides product-related analytical support to the Division by developing merchandising plan, examining Product performance, Sales trends, and Inventory levels to deliver local business objectives. He/she will also assist the Senior Merchandising Manager in strengthening partnerships with Business team. Key Responsibilities: Merchandising & Buying: Fashion Participate in Fashion buy 6 times/year, support Senior Merchandising Manager with the assortment selection during the buying process, administer the purchase order operation as well as assist in conducting pre and post buy with boutique team Demonstrate assortment planning skills to ensure new and current products are cohesively represented in Boutique and recommend stock for consolidation as well as transfer opportunities both locally and regionally Balance commercial/ short term product opportunities with image-led/ long term product strategies Coordinate the OTB planning process by managing the accurate input and checking of date Analyze the quality of each buy in real time and provide insights of the overall performance Support the Reoffer business (REV/00V) through Sales and inventory analysis and order recommendation Watches & Fine Jewelry Support a long-term WFJ strategy (product focus, assortment, in-store visibility) Develop a 360° orchestration of WFJ launches, training, and events Manage WFJ business: forecasting, stock efficiency, novelties, and client strategy Build and maintain strong relationships with Regional Core and High-End teams Drive High Jewelry awareness, client experience, and pipeline development Inventory Management: Lead the Product Executive in managing stock and inventory for all Fashion, Watches and Fine Jewelry products to achieve stock coverage objectives Proactively communicate the delivery status of each collection with relevant stakeholders, as well as managing the coordination of a timely launch in accordance with local priorities (events, campaigns, etc.) Product Analysis: Provide in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis of Product performance across all categories Manage the development of Business & Merchandising Reports (e.g. Sell-thru, inventory, pre & post buy, OTB, monthly division product report) to provide regular insights and business advice to the Local & Regional team where applicable Build an ongoing collection of business insights to strengthen the database and support future analysis Align with CRM prior to each buying season to co-create recruitment and retention strategies per product category Integrate client insights into the buy to support qualitative recruitment and loyalty objectives Business Partnership: Actively and passionately participate in internal Business meetings and maintain in close partnership with Division key stakeholders and Retail team Collaborate closely with VM, Training, Marketing, Communications/ PR, CRM for 360 orchestrations related to each collection launch, key product campaign and take lead in product sharing session Actively partner with VM and Boutique to ensure collection “must-have” are readily displayed and equally drive efficiencies on slow moving products Spend at least 20% of time in regular boutique visits to explore opportunities, review assortments, visual display, and other merchandising issues Coordinate / support with on-demand projects from local and regional team Markdown: Oversee the timely preparation of Markdown inventory in accordance with Global guidelines Coordinate with key stakeholders on Markdown calendar and effectively manage the Markdown calendar Aftersales & Product Quality Co-lead after sales service with boutique team/ After Sales coordinators Liaises Global and Regional After sales team on overseas repairs and ensure efficient lead-time Collection / Product training Transmit the creative vision to the Retail team and build up their knowledge, passion and confidence. Adapt training content to the local needs, deliver collection and product-related training to the whole Retail population. Ensure ad-hoc training if necessary to support Retail team and business objectives. Job Requirements: Academic / Professional Qualifications Business Degree or similar Advanced Microsoft Office suite, particularly in Excel (Vlookup, Sumif, Pivot Table) and Power BI Work Experience At least 5 - 8 years of work experience in Product or Merchandising, of which the last 3 is in a managerial position Fashion/Retail/Luxury background is a strong advantage Required Competencies Category ownership mindset: treats assigned categories as their own business Leadership & influence: ability to lead discussions and inspire teams Anticipation & planning: forward-thinking and organized Resilience & adaptability thrives under pressure and manages multiple priorities Business acumen: connects data to strategy and action Proactivity: Anticipate business needs, risks, and opportunities independently Key Interactions: Fashion Partners: Marketing, CRM, Retail, Communications/ PR, VM, Learning and Development Corporate Partners: Finance, IT, and HR Business Division Partners: Fashions, WFJ Regional and Global Partners: Product/ Merchandise teams, Supply Chain, TDS (PEPS, BI)