At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Buying Team to source and manage production of licensed merchandise across multiple countries.
- Company: I Wish, a dynamic sourcing merchandise company passionate about storytelling through product.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, work-from-home flexibility, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive and creative workplace.
- Why this job: Work with iconic brands like Disney and Netflix while driving creativity and innovation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in merchandising with strong factory relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 38000 € per year.
We’re seeking for an Experienced Product Merchandiser to join our buying team.
About the role
You’ll play a key role in sourcing and managing production mainly across China, but also India, Turkey, and Europe, working closely with suppliers to achieve the best balance of quality, craftsmanship, lead times, and pricing. We’re looking for someone with strong technical product understanding, excellent factory relationship management skills, and a solid grasp of production, quality control, testing, and compliance processes. You’ll work collaboratively with factories and internal teams to ensure products are delivered to the highest standards. This is a full-time, on-site role based in our office in Islington, with discretionary flexibility to work remotely one day per week.
Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively within our existing Buying Team to support the development and production of licensed merchandise across multiple product categories.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with factories and suppliers across China, India, Turkey, and Europe.
- Source the most suitable factories, materials, and production methods based on quality, craftsmanship, pricing, and lead times.
- Manage product development from sampling through to final production, ensuring timelines, specifications, and approvals are achieved.
- Work closely with factories to resolve technical, production, and quality challenges throughout the manufacturing process.
- Negotiate pricing, MOQs, production terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers and vendors.
- Raise and manage purchase orders while closely monitoring production progress and shipment timelines.
- Coordinate testing, inspections, quality control, and compliance requirements to ensure products meet client, retailer, and licensor standards.
- Collaborate closely with design, logistics, and project management teams throughout the full product lifecycle.
- Maintain accurate supplier records, costing benchmarks, production trackers, and technical documentation.
- Support ethical sourcing practices and sustainability initiatives wherever possible.
What we are looking for
- 5+ years’ experience in merchandising, sourcing, and buying directly from factories in China.
- Strong understanding of product construction, materials, manufacturing techniques, and production processes, particularly within the collectibles, giftware, and souvenir categories.
- Confident evaluating craftsmanship, quality, and pricing to achieve the best overall product outcome.
- Solid knowledge of factory workflows, product development, sampling, testing, quality control, and compliance processes.
- Commercially minded with strong negotiation, costing, and supplier management skills.
- Proven experience building and maintaining strong factory and supplier relationships.
- Comfortable resolving technical, production, and quality challenges collaboratively with vendors.
- Highly organised with excellent communication and time management skills.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced, creative, and detail-focused environment.
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and database management.
Language Requirements
- Mandarin: Native or fluent.
- English: Professional or bilingual proficiency.
Bonus Points If You Have
- Experience working with licensed merchandise and global entertainment brands such as Disney, Harry Potter, Universal, or Netflix.
- Previous experience within promotional merchandise, retail merchandise, collectibles, or souvenir product categories.
Soft Skills & Mindset
- A genuine team player who collaborates well across departments.
- Calm under pressure and able to manage shifting priorities confidently.
- Highly organised with excellent time management skills.
- Detail-oriented and passionate about product quality.
- A confident communicator who builds strong supplier relationships.
- Naturally curious and always looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic about what they do.
- Someone who enjoys problem solving and takes ownership when challenges arise.
About us
We’re I Wish, a sourcing merchandise company with a deep passion for storytelling through product. We design and produce licensed merchandise inspired by some of the world’s most iconic brands and characters, creating products that spark joy, nostalgia, and connection for fans around the globe, merchandise people genuinely treasure.
Working across both retail and promotional merchandise, we’re proud to collaborate with partners including Harry Potter Stores, Disneyland Paris, The Walt Disney Company, Universal Pictures, and Netflix, among others.
Why join us?
Since launching in 2023, we’ve grown quickly and continue to expand our portfolio of international clients, product categories, and exciting new projects. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment where creativity is encouraged, individuality is celebrated, and soft skills are valued just as highly as technical expertise. With ambitious plans for the future and a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, this is an exciting opportunity to join a company entering its next stage of growth.
Perks & Benefits
- 28 days holiday allowance in addition to public holidays.
- Complimentary breakfast essentials including cereal, fruit, bread, spreads, tea, and coffee.
- Discretionary one work-from-home day per week.
- Discretionary annual bonus based on company performance and achievement of role objectives.
- Opportunity to work with globally recognised entertainment and retail brands.
- A collaborative and creative working environment within a growing international business.
- Real opportunity for progression and career development as the company continues to expand.
- Exposure to exciting licensed merchandise projects across retail and promotional categories.
- Modern office space in the heart of Islington, featuring a cafeteria area, kitchen, showers, and comfortable breakout spaces.
Salary expectations
32-38K per year depending on experience.
Application Process
Please submit your CV and cover letter, via LinkedIn.
Locations
Product Merchandiser in Islington, Norfolk employer: I WISH Merchandise
I Wish is an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration, offering a supportive work environment in the vibrant heart of Islington. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for career development alongside exciting projects with globally recognised brands. Our generous benefits, including 28 days of holiday, flexible working options, and a modern office space, make us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Merchandiser in Islington, Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Product Merchandiser role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with sourcing, quality control, and factory relationships. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you want to work for, reach out directly. Express your interest in their projects and how your background aligns with their needs. Sometimes, a direct approach can open doors that applications can't.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on trends in merchandising and production processes. Join online courses or webinars to enhance your skills. This not only boosts your CV but also shows employers you're committed to growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Merchandiser in Islington, Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Merchandiser role. Highlight your experience in sourcing and managing production, especially if you've worked with factories in China or other relevant countries. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about merchandising and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don't forget to mention any experience with licensed merchandise or global brands!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with strong technical product understanding, make sure to showcase your knowledge of production processes, quality control, and compliance in your application. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at I WISH Merchandise
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
As a Product Merchandiser, it's crucial to have a strong understanding of product construction and materials. Before the interview, brush up on the specific categories you'll be working with, like collectibles and giftware. Be ready to discuss your experience with sourcing and quality control processes.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Building strong relationships with suppliers is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed factory relationships in the past. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you resolved them, as this will demonstrate your collaborative approach and problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Negotiating pricing and production terms is a big part of being a Product Merchandiser. Think of specific instances where you negotiated successfully, and be prepared to discuss your strategies. This will show that you're commercially minded and can achieve the best outcomes for the company.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Ethical Sourcing
With a focus on sustainability and ethical practices, it's important to show your commitment to these values. Research the company's initiatives and be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to their goals. This will highlight your alignment with their mission and values.
