Head Merchandiser

JD- Merchandising Head

Key Responsibilities:

Merchandise Strategy , Planning & Store Performance:

• Develop and implement short-term and long-term merchandising strategies to enhance product assortment and achieve business objectives.
• Lead the development of seasonal product assortments, ensuring they align with market trends, customer preferences, and the companys brand vision.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis and competitor benchmarking to ensure our offerings remain competitive and on-trend.
• Monitor store inventory levels and ensure timely restocking based on sales velocity.
• Collaborate with retail operations to enhance product availability and category performance.
• Develop strategies to optimize product mix and display for maximum sell-through.

Product Development & Selection:

• Collaborate with design, production, and sourcing teams to ensure the timely development and launch of new jewelry collections.
• Lead the product selection process, ensuring a balanced mix of price points, styles, and materials that cater to diverse customer segments.

Sales & Inventory Management:

• Monitor product performance and sales data, adjusting merchandising strategies to maximize profitability and inventory turnover.
• Work closely with the supply chain team to ensure optimal stock levels and timely product availability.
• Oversee the planning and execution of promotional and discount strategies, ensuring effective inventory management during sales events.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of merchandising professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, operations, and design, to ensure alignment of merchandising strategies with overall business goals.

Customer Insights & Trend Analysis:

• Stay ahead of industry trends, identifying emerging jewellery styles and materials that can be incorporated into the brand's offering.
• Use customer insights and sales data to refine merchandising strategies and enhance the shopping experience.

Budget & Financial Management:

• Manage the merchandising department’s budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to maximize return on investment.
• Track and report on sales performance, margins, and other key performance indicators (KPIs), providing recommendations for improvements.

Stock & Supply Planning:

• Develop and implement inventory management strategies to ensure optimal stock levels in warehouses.
• Plan and allocate stock based on store performance, demand forecasts, and sales trends.
• Ensure timely replenishment of fast-moving products while minimizing overstock and obsolescence.

Data Analysis & Demand Forecasting:

• Analyze sales data, historical trends, and market insights to predict demand patterns.
• Identify underperforming and best-selling products to optimize stock distribution.
• Work closely with the buying team to align procurement with sales projections.

In-Transit Stock Management:

• Plan and track in-transit stock movement to ensure seamless supply for high-performing stores.
• Optimize logistics and supply chain processes to reduce lead times and prevent stockouts.
• Coordinate with suppliers, warehouse teams, and logistics partners to maintain efficient stock flow.

Collaboration & Process Improvement:

• Work cross-functionally with procurement, logistics, and retail teams to streamline operations.
• Identify and implement technology-driven solutions for better inventory tracking and management.
• Regularly review KPIs to enhance merchandising efficiency and profitability.

Vendor & Supplier Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key jewellery suppliers, manufacturers, and external partners.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery schedules to optimize margins and maintain high-quality standards.

Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum 8-12+ years of experience in merchandising, with a strong focus on the jewellery industry. Proven experience in managing a team and leading cross-functional projects.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, Design, or a related field. A Master’s degree or industry certifications is a plus.

Skills:

• Expertise in jewellery trends, product development, and assortment planning.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse sales data and translate it into actionable strategies.
• Deep understanding of inventory management, pricing strategies, and vendor relationships.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Tech-Savvy: Proficient in merchandising software, MS Excel, and other retail tools. Experience with e-commerce merchandising is a plus.
• Passion for Jewellery: A genuine passion for the jewellery industry and a deep understanding of market trends, craftsmanship, and luxury retail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to luxury jewellery brands or high-end jewelry retail.