Head of Merchandising, SEA - Retail Apparel & Fashion

Kuala Lumpur Permanent MYR216,000 - MYR360,000 per year View Job Description
Lead and shape merchandising strategy across Southeast Asia, owning the full commercial lifecycle from assortment planning to in-season optimisation. Based in Malaysia, this role drives regional growth by translating market insights into high-impact product decisions while building a best-in-class merchandising function.
  • Shape a high-growth brand's SEA expansion journey
  • Build and lead a regional merchandising function

About Our Client

Our client is a globally expanding fashion retailer known for its strong end-to-end product development and retail execution model. With Southeast Asia as a key growth priority, they are investing in building a regional hub to drive localized merchandising excellence and accelerate commercial performance across markets.

Job Description

Own and elevate merchandising performance across Southeast Asia markets. Drive strategic product decisions through data, insight, and commercial instinct. Key responsibilities include:

  • Define and continuously refine regional merchandising strategies, translating evolving consumer behaviours, climate needs, and local trends into commercially relevant product direction
  • Take full ownership of the merchandise lifecycle, from initial product ideation through buying, launch execution, real-time performance tracking, and post-season evaluation
  • Architect balanced and high-performing assortments, ensuring the right mix of fashion, core, and volume drivers across price points and categories
  • Lead investment planning through disciplined investment planning and inventory budgeting management, optimising inventory deployment while maintaining flexibility to react to trade
  • Establish a strong in-season trading rhythm, leveraging weekly sales and inventory data to drive replenishment, rebalancing, and markdown decisions
  • Identify opportunities and risks early, executing fast-reaction strategies to maximise sell-through while protecting margin and brand positioning
  • Act as the key regional voice to HQ, influencing design and product direction with clear, data-backed insights on local customer demand
  • Deeply understand competitive landscape and channel dynamics, translating market observations into actionable product and pricing strategies
  • Conduct regular store and market visits, diagnosing product performance gaps and elevating execution standards across merchandising and visual merchandising
  • Build and lead a high-calibre merchandising team, embedding structure, accountability, and strong commercial thinking across buying and planning functions


The Successful Applicant

We are looking for a commercially driven merchandising leader in retail with strong regional exposure. Key requirements include:

  • Proven experience in fashion merchandising, buying, or product planning within fast-paced retail environments
  • Strong track record in driving assortment, inventory, and in-season performance across multiple categories
  • Deep understanding of inventory planning, assortment building, and weekly trading frameworks
  • Experience operating across multiple markets, with a solid grasp of Southeast Asia consumer behaviour preferred
  • Highly analytical with the ability to turn data into clear, commercially impactful decisions
  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams, particularly design and product development stakeholders
  • Experience building or leading teams, with a focus on elevating capability and performance
  • Agile, hands-on, and comfortable operating in a fast-growth, evolving environment


What's on Offer

  • Drive SEA expansion in high-growth fashion markets
  • Build regional merchandising strategy from ground up
  • High ownership, visibility, and decision-making impact



Contact
Ee Lyn Soo
Quote job ref
JN-062026-7039808
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-062026-7039808

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.