Merchandiser

The Merchandiser – Japanese / Korean Brands is responsible for driving the commercial performance, growth, and profitability of assigned Japanese brand portfolios across Australia and New Zealand.

This role acts as the key liaison between W Cosmetics and Japanese / Korean suppliers, overseeing supplier relationships, purchasing and inventory planning, new product development, category performance analysis, and cross-functional coordination.

The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, and supplier management skills to ensure sustainable sales growth, healthy inventory levels, successful product launches, and long-term supplier partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

1. Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Japanese / Korean brand partners and suppliers.

• Conduct regular business review meetings with suppliers.

• Prepare and present sales reports, category performance reviews, and business updates.

• Lead commercial negotiations including:

  • Trading terms

  • Pricing

  • Promotional support

  • Marketing contributions

  • Contract renewals

  • Annual business planning

• Represent W Cosmetics at supplier meetings, trade shows, and industry events in Australia and Japan / Korea.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships and improve commercial outcomes.

2. Purchasing & Inventory Planning

• Analyse sales performance, stock levels, and market demand to develop accurate purchasing plans.

• Prepare rolling three-month purchasing forecasts.

• Submit monthly purchase orders in accordance with business timelines.

• Monitor supplier lead times and replenishment schedules.

• Ensure key products remain in stock while maintaining healthy inventory levels.

• Collaborate with Finance and Operations teams to optimise working capital and inventory investment.

3. New Product Development & Market Research

• Conduct monthly market research on Japanese beauty, skincare, cosmetics, health, and FMCG trends.

• Monitor competitor activities and emerging product categories.

• Identify new product opportunities aligned with customer demand and company strategy.

• Develop business cases for new product launches, including:

  • Sales forecasts

  • Margin analysis

  • Market opportunity assessment

  • Launch recommendations

• Present new product proposals and category growth initiatives to senior management.

• Support launch planning and post-launch performance reviews.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Compliance teams to provide all necessary product information and documentation.

• Ensure products meet Australian importation, regulatory, and retail compliance requirements.

• Coordinate with Logistics and Supply Chain teams to:

  • Track shipment status

  • Monitor delivery timelines

  • Resolve supply chain issues

  • Ensure timely receipt of inventory

• Collaborate with Marketing teams on promotional campaigns and product launches.

• Support Retail Operations by ensuring product availability and assortment execution.

5. Category Performance Management

• Conduct ongoing sales and inventory analysis for assigned brands and categories.

• Monitor product sell-through performance and inventory health.

• Identify risks and opportunities within the portfolio.

• Recommend actions to improve:

  • Sales growth

  • Gross margin

  • Inventory turnover

  • Product mix

• Develop and implement strategies for:

  • Best-selling products

  • Slow-moving inventory

  • Seasonal opportunities

  • Product lifecycle management

• Deliver regular category performance reports and recommendations to management.

Skills & Experience

Essential Requirements

Minimum 5 years’ experience in Merchandising Management, Buying, Procurement, Merchandise Planning, or a related retail/commercial role.

• Proven experience managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.

• Fluent in both English and Japanese / Korean (written and verbal).

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret:

  • Sales performance data

  • Inventory data

  • Margin performance

  • Market trends

  • Consumer demand patterns

• Demonstrated experience in demand forecasting and inventory planning.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including:

  • Pivot Tables

  • XLOOKUP / VLOOKUP

  • Data modelling and reporting

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capability.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong organisational and project management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Willingness to travel regularly to Japan and other supplier locations.

• Experience within Beauty, Cosmetics, Skincare, FMCG, or Retail industries.

• Experience managing Japanese brands or suppliers.

• Knowledge of Australian importation and product compliance requirements.

• Experience using ERP, inventory management, and retail reporting systems.

• Experience launching new products and managing product lifecycles.

• Experience working in a high-growth retail business environment.