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 solid 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
Minimum5 years' experiencein Merchandising Management, Buying, Procurement, Merchandise Planning, or a related retail/commercial role.
Essential Requirements
Proven experience managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.
Fluent in bothEnglish 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 (New South Wales)
🏢 W Cosmetics
📍 New South Wales