At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product purchasing and support the Merchandising Team to drive sales.
- Company: Join a vibrant Japanese culture hub in London, blending tradition with modern retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a dynamic team environment.
- Why this job: Perfect for those passionate about retail and Japanese culture, with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in high-end retail merchandising and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Visa support not available; YMS and graduate visa holders may apply.
The predicted salary is between 19200 - 28800 £ per year.
Overview
A well-known Japanese culture hub based is currently recruiting a Merchandising Executive to work in their London office.
In this role, you will be responsible for managing the product purchasing process for your assigned categories of products and support the Merchandising Team members to maximise commercial opportunities through the effective management of operational process, driving sales through improved product availability and inventory turnover.
The ideal candidate should have strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and a passion for retail merchandising. Understanding of Japanese culture and some Japanese skill will be advantageous.
TYPE: full-time, Contract, hybrid
WORKING HOURS: 8 hours per day, five days per week, with core hours from 10am to 3pm
SALARY: up to £32k, depending on experience
START: early or late October 2025
LOCATION: London
Main Responsibilities
- Monitor forecasts, stock levels, lead times, and orders to ensure optimal inventory
- Optimize the supply chain to maximize gross margin and ensure on time deliveries
- Manage all import and export legal responsibilities
- Ensure accurate and timely delivery of stock by maintaining strong supplier relationships
- Develop and execute category management strategies for assigned product categories
- Manage the product lifecycle, identifying aging items and making recommendations to improve the sell-through
- Maintain awareness of competitive activity and new opportunities in the market
- Manage the end-to-end ordering process for replenishment and new products
- Regularly review replenishment levels to ensure maximum store performance
- Maintain accurate and up to date stock levels
- Build and maintain communication with external suppliers
- Monitor delivery schedules, liaising with logistics providers, couriers, and suppliers
- Set pricing and margin strategy in coordination with the Senior Merchandising Manager
- Maintain up-to-date price information and implement price changes if required
- Monitor supplier invoices to ensure timely payments
- Register new product information in the retail system and maintain SKU details
- Assist in translating product names from Japanese to English
- Develop and update weekly and monthly Sales reports
- Maintain an organized filing system on the shared drive
- Develop and maintain a product risk register
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience of working in a high-end retail merchandising role
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Competent user of inventory management and retail IT systems
- High business standard English language skills
- Advanced Excel skills including VLOOKUPs and SUMIFs
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Understanding of Japan or Japanese cultures
- Problem-solving skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work
- An understanding of Japan or Japanese cultures would be an advantage
All applicants for the Merchandising Executive must have the right to work in the country as the Company is not able to offer visa support.
* YMS and graduate visa holders with more than 18 months remaining on their visa may also apply, depending on their experience.
* When contacting us, please include the job reference number (Ref: AJ46821) at the top of your message.
If your application is successful, you will be contacted within two business days. We regret that due to the high volume of applications we receive we cannot provide feedback on individual CVs.
Seniority level
- Associate
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Other
Industries
- Government Relations Services
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Merchandising Executive employer: Centre People Appointments
Contact Detail:
Centre People Appointments Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Japanese culture and retail trends. This knowledge will not only help you stand out during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially VLOOKUPs and SUMIFs. Being able to showcase your proficiency in these areas can give you an edge, as they are crucial for managing inventory and sales data.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the merchandising field, particularly those with experience in high-end retail. Engaging with industry contacts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving abilities and how you've successfully managed multiple tasks in previous roles. This will highlight your capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, which is essential for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail merchandising, particularly any roles where you've managed product purchasing or inventory. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for retail merchandising and your understanding of Japanese culture. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Highlight Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical abilities are crucial for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your experience with data analysis, inventory management, and decision-making based on sales forecasts.
Showcase Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully liaised with suppliers or worked within a team to achieve merchandising goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre People Appointments
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
As a Merchandising Executive, strong analytical abilities are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with inventory management and how you've used data to drive sales or improve product availability in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you’ve built relationships with suppliers or collaborated with team members in the past.
✨Highlight Your Understanding of Japanese Culture
Since the company values an understanding of Japanese culture, be ready to share any relevant experiences or knowledge you have. This could include language skills, travel experiences, or insights into Japanese retail practices.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of examples where you've had to multi-task or prioritise work effectively, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.