Merchandising Executive

Overview

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Japan House London is a cultural destination offering guests the opportunity to experience the best and latest from Japan. Located on London’s Kensington High Street, the experience is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests. Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, it deepens the visitor’s appreciation of all that Japan has to offer. Part of a global initiative led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are two other Japan Houses, one in Los Angeles and the other in São Paulo.

MISSION

Increase the awareness of all aspects of Japan and Japanese cultures and foster partnerships between the peoples of Japan and the UK and create future sustainability.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

As Merchandising Executive, you will be responsible for managing product purchasing process for your assigned categories of products and support the Merchandising Team members to maximise commercial opportunities through the effective management of operational process, driving sales through improved product availability and inventory turnover. Main tasks include product ordering, maintaining records in Japanese and English, reporting, support for product launches and translating Japanese product information to the team.

Responsibilities

• Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Monitor forecasts, stock levels, lead times, and orders to ensure optimal inventory. Optimize the supply chain to maximize gross margin and ensure on time deliveries. Manage all import and export legal responsibilities. Ensure accurate and timely delivery of stock by maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Category Strategy & Product Lifecycle Management: Develop and execute category management strategies for assigned product categories. Manage the product lifecycle, identifying aging items and making recommendations to improve the sell-through in assigned product categories. Maintain awareness of competitive activity and new opportunities in the market, by attending trade shows and supplier’s visit to improve assortment and sales performance.
• Ordering & Procurement: Manage the end-to-end ordering process for replenishment and new products, and purchase order processing. Regularly review replenishment levels to ensure maximum store performance and raise any issues with the Merchandising Team. Maintain accurate and up to date stock levels to ensure there is enough stock cover across each category and ensure reordering. Build and maintain communication with external suppliers to ensure the smooth flow of goods. Monitor delivery schedules, liaising with logistics providers, couriers, and suppliers, and updating the Stock Controller and Retail Service Team accordingly. Set pricing and margin strategy in coordination with the Senior Merchandising Manager. Monitor supplier invoices to ensure that payments are made in a timely manner, working closely with the Finance team to resolve any issues.
• Product & Retail System Management: Register new product information in the retail system and maintain SKU details for in-store and online sales and update any change in product information. Assist in translating product names from Japanese to suitable English names following company guidelines. Provide up-to-date product launch schedules and any information needed to assist the Retail Service Team.
• Reporting & Analysis: Develop and update weekly and monthly Sales reports, and Inventory levels across all categories. Assist Merchandising team by providing reports and dashboard to support decision-making and strategy development.
• Administrative Support & Communication: Maintain an organized filing system on the shared drive (POs, invoices, supplier details, contracts, etc.). Assist the Retail Service Team with product information and customer queries. Develop and maintain a product risk register.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of experience of working in a high-end retail merchandising role
• Batchelor’s degree or equivalent
• Experience of and competent user of an inventory management and other retail IT systems

Skills

• High standard of business analytical skills
• High business standard English language skills are essential
• Excellent level of MS Office suite including advanced Excel skills including VLOOKUPs and SUMIFs
• High level of numerical and analytical skills
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
• A high level of personal drive & commitment
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work
• Excellent attention to detail
• An understanding of Japan or Japanese cultures would be an advantage
• Support the culture of service excellence, both internally and externally and good team player
• Reliable, well organised and ability to prioritise workload
• Good at problem solving

Work Environment

• Our aim is for a flexible approach to work locations, balancing regular on-site presence and working remotely. The mix of office-based working and remote working will be determined by business need and role requirements.
• Normal working hours are eight hours per day, five days per week, with core hours from 10am to 3pm.
• Additional after-hours project and event-related work may often be required
• Some duties will be carried out in Japan House London public spaces

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 36 days per year inclusive of public and bank holidays
• Remote GP service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount for the Japan House Shop and Stand
• Discount platform for high street shops
• Access to perks and discounts local to Kensington High Street, London
• Personal learning budget

Japan House London is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating discrimination. We look forward to receiving applications from all, and particularly those from under-represented groups as we grow and develop our team.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development and Sales
• Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos

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