Job Title: Merchandising & Brand Management Manager (Luxury Fashion Retail)
Location: Philippines
Department: Merchandising / Brand Management
Reports To: Country Manager
We are seeking a highly skilled Merchandising & Brand Management Manager to lead the end-to-end merchandising strategy for a luxury fashion retail brand entering the Philippine market. This role requires deep expertise in merchandising, product costing, pricing strategy, and profit margin optimization, along with strong brand management capabilities to ensure consistency with global standards while adapting to local market dynamics
Key Responsibility
Merchandising Strategy & Planning
- Develop and execute seasonal merchandising plans aligned with global brand direction and local market demand
- Curate product assortments that balance brand identity, customer preferences, and commercial performance
- Analyze sales trends, inventory turnover, and consumer behavior to optimize product mix
Costing & Profit Margin Management
- Manage end-to-end product costing including importation costs, duties, taxes, logistics, and retail markups
- Establish pricing strategies that maintain luxury positioning while achieving target margins
- Monitor gross margins, sell-through rates, and markdown impact to ensure profitability
- Collaborate with finance and supply chain teams to forecast costs and manage budgets effectively
Importation & Market Adaptation
- Oversee merchandising considerations related to importing luxury goods into the Philippines, including compliance, lead times, and cost structures
- Adjust product selections and pricing to account for currency fluctuations, tariffs, and local economic conditions
Brand Management
- Ensure all merchandising decisions align with global brand guidelines and luxury positioning
- Work closely with marketing and retail teams to deliver a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints
- Maintain brand integrity in product presentation, pricing, and promotions
- Support brand storytelling through product selection and in-store merchandising
Inventory & Allocation
- Plan and manage inventory levels to avoid overstocking or stockouts
- Oversee allocation and replenishment strategies across stores and channels
- Lead markdown and promotional strategies while protecting brand value
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Partner with global headquarters, suppliers, and local stakeholders
- Collaborate with retail operations, marketing, and e-commerce teams to drive sales performance
- Provide insights and reporting to senior leadership on merchandising performance and opportunities
- Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, Marketing, or related field
- 58+ years of experience in luxury fashion merchandising, preferably in international or imported brands
- Strong expertise in product costing, pricing strategy, and margin optimization
- Proven experience in brand management within a luxury or premium retail environment
- Deep understanding of the Philippine retail market and importation dynamics
Key Skills & Competencies
- Advanced analytical skills (sales analysis, margin analysis, forecasting)
- Strong commercial acumen with a luxury mindset
- Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills
- Detail-oriented with strong financial understanding
- Ability to balance global brand standards with local market needs
- Strong leadership and communication skills
Preferred Attributes
- Experience working with international fashion brands entering new markets
- Familiarity with ERP or merchandising systems
- Passion for luxury fashion and brand storytelling
Success Metrics
- Achievement of target gross margins and profitability
- Inventory efficiency and sell-through rates
- Successful market positioning of the brand in the Philippines
- Alignment with global brand standards and local market growth
