Director of Product Strategy

Overall Job Objectives:

• Lead and guide the merchandising, import, and inventory teams to achieve overall business and sales targets.
• Oversee merchandise, import, and inventory strategy and planning to ensure alignment with company objectives, market competitiveness, and brand direction.
• Drive initiatives, operational and service excellence across assigned stores to maximise sales performance and customer satisfaction.
• Strengthen the company’s product differentiation, especially through the introduction of items from Japan and products inspired by the latest Japanese trends, in line with the company's brand direction.
• Collaboration with internal stakeholders such as Japan Headquarter teams, and external stakeholders to ensure product strategies and brand concepts are well aligned.
• Champion innovation, productivity, and business growth initiatives to reinforce the organisation’s market position in Singapore.
• Utilise data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions, identify business risks and opportunities, and improve sales and operational performance.
• Formulate and implement policies related to risk management, business growth, and cost efficiency to support long-term sustainability.

Core Responsibilities:

Merchandising & Buying:

• Lead the team in Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning, assortment planning, and buying for the assigned departments.
• Develop and fine-tune store-specific assortment profiles on a seasonal basis to support new product launches, replenishments, and new store openings.
• Keep abreast of latest market trends and consumer preferences to guide product and merchandising directions.
• Analyse sales performance and product categories to optimise inventory and import efficiency and profitability.
• Handle shipment discrepancies and ensure accuracy of store transfers and stock take adjustments.
• Communicate regularly with Japan Headquarter to align on merchandising directions, product selection, and pricing strategies.
• Negotiate with Japanese manufacturers and vendors to secure competitive terms, maintain product quality, and ensure smooth import processes.
• Analyse sales performance and product categories to optimise inventory and import efficiency and profitability.
• Handle shipment discrepancies and ensure accuracy of store transfers and stock take adjustments.

Business, Operations Management & Strategy:

• Oversee the operations of multiple stores to ensure alignment with company standards and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Store Operations, Marketing and other support functions to plan and execute strategies that maximise value and enhance customer experience.
• Conduct data analysis to identify sales trends, risks, and opportunities, and translate insights to actionable business strategies
• Formulate and implement company-wide policies related to business risk, growth strategy, and cost control, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives
• Drive the achievement of sales and operational KPIs across all assigned stores.
• Ensure seamless order fulfilment processes and uphold service excellence standards
• Promote operational excellence by applying methodology and productivity frameworks to enhance workplace efficiency through eliminating wastage and inefficiencies, and improving workflows.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

• Provide strategic leadership, guidance, and motivation to the merchandising, inventory, import, and operations teams.
• Foster a positive, performance-driven, and collaborative work culture across all stores.
• Work closely with senior management, Japan Headquarter, and other key stakeholders to translate strategic goals into actionable business plans.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in merchandising and retail operations.

Others:

• Undertake any other duties or projects as assigned by management.

Job Specifications:

• Relevant experience in retail merchandising, category management, or retail operations, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in developing and executing merchandising strategies that drive business growth.
• Experience in managing multi-store operations in a fast-paced retail environment is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese retail trends, consumer behaviour, and product development cycles.
• Japanese language ability is required to liaise with Japan Headquarters and vendors.