Head of Merchandising, Retail Lifestyle Categories

Kuala Lumpur Permanent MYR240,000 - MYR360,000 per year View Job Description
Lead the merchandising strategy for a major multi-category retail business, shaping category growth, brand partnerships, and customer offerings across a diverse lifestyle portfolio. This is a high-impact leadership role with direct influence on commercial performance, profitability, and the future direction of the business.
  • Shape a Leading Retail Business
  • High Visibility and Strategic Impact

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established and highly recognised retail organisation with a strong presence in the consumer market. With a diversified portfolio spanning multiple lifestyle categories, the business continues to invest in growth, innovation, and customer experience, creating an exciting opportunity for an accomplished merchandising leader to join its senior management team.

Job Description

Drive end-to-end merchandising strategy, category performance, and commercial growth across a diverse portfolio of lifestyle categories while leading a high-performing merchandising organisation. Key responsibilities include:

  • Develop and execute merchandising strategies aligned with business growth objectives.
  • Drive sales, profitability, inventory productivity, and category performance.
  • Lead assortment planning and ensure a compelling product mix across all categories.
  • Identify emerging consumer trends and growth opportunities to strengthen market competitiveness.
  • Oversee seasonal planning, buying strategies, inventory allocation, and stock management.
  • Optimise pricing, markdown, and replenishment strategies to maximise commercial returns.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with key brands, suppliers, and business partners.
  • Lead commercial negotiations including trading terms, promotional investments, and partnership agreements.
  • Evaluate category and brand performance, identifying opportunities for expansion, repositioning, or rationalisation.
  • Analyse sales and operational data to drive informed business decisions and performance improvements.
  • Collaborate with Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Visual Merchandising teams to deliver impactful retail initiatives.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop merchandising teams while fostering a commercially driven culture.


The Successful Applicant

We are seeking a commercially astute retail merchandising leader with a proven track record of driving category growth, profitability, and business performance within large-scale retail environments. Key requirements include:

  • Degree qualified in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related discipline.
  • Minimum 12 years of experience in merchandising, buying, category management, or retail leadership.
  • Proven leadership experience within department stores, lifestyle retail, fashion retail, or large-format retail businesses.
  • Extensive experience managing multiple merchandise categories and complex product portfolios.
  • Strong track record in delivering sales growth, margin improvement, and inventory optimisation.
  • Deep understanding of merchandising analytics, retail financials, and commercial performance metrics.
  • Demonstrated success in supplier, vendor, and brand relationship management.
  • Strong commercial negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.
  • Strategic thinker with excellent business acumen and decision-making ability.
  • Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.


What's on Offer

  • Shape a Leading Retail Business | Play a pivotal role in influencing category strategy, brand partnerships, and commercial performance across a large-scale retail operation.
  • High Visibility and Strategic Impact | Work closely with senior leadership and be a key contributor to business growth, transformation initiatives, and future expansion plans.


Contact
Ee Lyn Soo
Quote job ref
JN-082026-7091593
Phone number
6012 375 7232

Job summary

Function
Retail
Specialisation
Merchandise & Supply Chain
What is your area of specialisation?
Retail
Location
Kuala Lumpur
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Ee Lyn Soo
Consultant contact
6012 375 7232
Job Reference
JN-082026-7091593

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.