Brand & Merchandise Manager

### Brand & IP Category Management - Manage assigned licensed IP brands and merchandise categories across retail stores, pop-ups, events, e-commerce, and distribution channels. - Understand brand DNA, target audience, and product direction for each assigned IP brand. - Ensure all product planning, marketing materials, retail display, and campaign activities are aligned with licensor guidelines and brand positioning. - Coordinate with licensors and internal teams for approval of product usage, artwork, packaging, and marketing materials. - Identify market trends and customer preferences for character merchandise, plush, toys, gifting products, collectibles, and lifestyle merchandise. ### Merchandise & Product Planning - Plan and manage product assortment for each IP brand and retail channel. - Develop product mix across categories including plush toys, collectibles, stationery, bags, accessories, apparel, confectionery, gifting products, lifestyle merchandise, seasonal products, and event-exclusive items. - Plan seasonal collections, festive launches, limited-edition items, campaign merchandise, and new product introductions. - Review pricing strategy, product margins, retail positioning, and market competitiveness. ### Stock Planning & Inventory Management - Plan stock allocation for stores, pop-ups, events, e-commerce, wholesale, and distribution channels. - Monitor stock movement, sell-through rates, inventory levels, and ageing stock performance. - Ensure replenishment of best-selling products and propose corrective actions for slow-moving stock. ### Sales & Business Performance - Set and monitor sales targets by brand, category, store, campaign, and retail channel. - Analyze sales reports to identify trends and implement strategies to drive growth. - Prepare sales forecasts for new products and retail campaigns. ### Marketing & Campaign Planning - Plan marketing activities for IP merchandise stores, product launches, and retail promotions. - Manage retail promotions including bundle deals, limited-edition launches, and event-exclusive campaigns. - Coordinate with malls and event organizers to increase brand exposure and footfall. ### Visual Merchandising & Store Presentation - Coordinate with design teams to create effective product displays and ensure brand consistency. - Guide retail teams on product storytelling, display priorities, and category arrangement. ### Reporting & Analysis - Prepare weekly and monthly reports covering sales performance, stock movement, and category performance. - Use data-driven insights to recommend improvements in stock allocation and product planning. ### Requirements - Minimum Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, Merchandising, Brand Management, or related field. - Minimum 3 – 5 years of working experience in brand management, merchandising, buying, retail category management, product planning, or retail marketing. - Strong understanding of retail sales, stock planning, product assortment, inventory management, and consumer buying behavior. - Good commercial sense and ability to manage sales targets, margins, and inventory performance. - Proficient in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. - Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills. - Hands-on, organized, responsible, and able to work in a fast-paced retail environment.