Job Description
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.
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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.
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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.
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Key Responsibilities
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1. Supplier Relationship Management
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Build and maintain strong relationships with Japanese / Korean brand partners and suppliers.
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Conduct regular business review meetings with suppliers.
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Prepare and present sales reports, category performance reviews, and business updates.
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Lead commercial negotiations including:n
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Trading terms
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Pricing
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Promotional support
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Marketing contributions
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Contract renewals
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Annual business planning
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Represent W Cosmetics at supplier meetings, trade shows, and industry events in Australia and Japan / Korea.
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Identify opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships and improve commercial outcomes.
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2. Purchasing & Inventory Planning
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Analyse sales performance, stock levels, and market demand to develop accurate purchasing plans.
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Prepare rolling three-month purchasing forecasts.
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Submit monthly purchase orders in accordance with business timelines.
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Monitor supplier lead times and replenishment schedules.
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Ensure key products remain in stock while maintaining healthy inventory levels.
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Collaborate with Finance and Operations teams to optimise working capital and inventory investment.
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3.



New Product Development & Market Research
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Conduct monthly market research on Japanese beauty, skincare, cosmetics, health, and FMCG trends.
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Monitor competitor activities and emerging product categories.
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Identify new product opportunities aligned with customer demand and company strategy.
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Develop business cases for new product launches, including:n
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Sales forecasts
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Margin analysis
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Market opportunity assessment
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Launch recommendations
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Present new product proposals and category growth initiatives to senior management.
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Support launch planning and post-launch performance reviews.
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4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Work closely with Compliance teams to provide all necessary product information and documentation.
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Ensure products meet Australian importation, regulatory, and retail compliance requirements.
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Coordinate with Logistics and Supply Chain teams to:n
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Track shipment status
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Monitor delivery timelines
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Resolve supply chain issues
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Ensure timely receipt of inventory
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Collaborate with Marketing teams on promotional campaigns and product launches.
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Support Retail Operations by ensuring product availability and assortment execution.
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5. Category Performance Management
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Conduct ongoing sales and inventory analysis for assigned brands and categories.
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Monitor product sell-through performance and inventory health.
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Identify risks and opportunities within the portfolio.
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Recommend actions to improve:n
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Sales growth
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Gross margin




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Inventory turnover
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Product mix
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Develop and implement strategies for:n
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Best-selling products
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Slow-moving inventory
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Seasonal opportunities
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Product lifecycle management
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Deliver regular category performance reports and recommendations to management.
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Skills & Experience
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Minimum 5 years' experience in Merchandising Management, Buying, Procurement, Merchandise Planning, or a related retail/commercial role.
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Essential Requirements
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Proven experience managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.
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Fluent in both English and Japanese / Korean (written and verbal).
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Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret:n
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Sales performance data
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Inventory data
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Margin performance
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Market trends
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Consumer demand patterns
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Demonstrated experience in demand forecasting and inventory planning.
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Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including:n
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Pivot Tables
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XLOOKUP / VLOOKUP
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Data modelling and reporting
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Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capability.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
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Solid organisational and project management skills.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.
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Willingness to travel regularly to Japan and other supplier locations.
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Preferred Requirements
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Experience within Beauty, Cosmetics, Skincare, FMCG, or Retail industries.
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Experience managing Japanese brands or suppliers.
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Knowledge of Australian importation and product compliance requirements.
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Experience using ERP, inventory management, and retail reporting systems.
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Experience launching new products and managing product lifecycles.
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Experience working in a high-growth retail business environment.
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📌 Merchandiser (New South Wales)
🏢 W Cosmetics
📍 New South Wales