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 robust 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

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

Essential Requirements

- 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.

Preferred Requirements

- 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.

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📌 Merchandiser (City of Sydney)
🏢 W Cosmetics
📍 City of Sydney