Our portfolio company is a dynamic lifestyle retail startup and is currently seeking a Global Sourcing and Merchandising Manager. This role is key to their mission of delivering high-quality, trend-forward lifestyle, homeware, and toy products. You will lead the sourcing and procurement efforts from overseas markets, manage vendor relationships, and drive data-driven category strategies to optimize product offerings. As a core team member reporting to the VP of Product and Operations, you'll contribute to shaping our product lines and overall market approach.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Sourcing and Procurement
- Identify and source lifestyle, homeware, and toy products from international suppliers, ensuring alignment with brand vision and market trends.
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process, with a focus on quality, price, and timely delivery of imported products.
- Ensure compliance with international import regulations, working closely with logistics and customs teams as needed.
Vendor Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with overseas vendors, negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms to optimize procurement.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations for suppliers to ensure quality standards are met and foster continuous improvement.
Category Analysis and Strategy
- Analyze market trends and customer needs to develop strategies for expanding and optimizing the lifestyle, homeware, and toy product lines.
- Use data insights to make informed buying decisions, including product selection, pricing, and inventory management.
- Monitor category performance and profitability, adjusting product offerings to align with market demand and business goals.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and Operations teams to coordinate product launches, promotions, and stock management.
- Work closely with logistics and finance to manage import processes, inventory control, and budget adherence.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
- Proven experience in merchandising, category management, or procurement, with a focus on lifestyle, homeware, or toys.
- Strong understanding of international sourcing, import regulations, and logistics.
- Proficiency in Mandarin is preferred to facilitate communication with overseas vendors.
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Strong negotiation skills and vendor management experience.
