Overview

Applications close on 15th September 2025. As Merchandising Executive, you will be responsible for managing the product purchasing process for your assigned categories of products and supporting the Merchandising Team members to maximise commercial opportunities through the effective management of operational processes, driving sales through improved product availability and inventory turnover. Main tasks include product ordering, maintaining records, reporting, support for product launches and providing product information to the team.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Monitor forecasts, stock levels, lead times, and orders to ensure optimal inventory.
- Optimize the supply chain to maximize gross margin and ensure on-time deliveries.
- Manage all import and export legal responsibilities.
- Ensure accurate and timely delivery of stock by maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Category Strategy & Product Lifecycle Management
- Develop and execute category management strategies for assigned product categories.
- Manage the product lifecycle, identifying aging items and making recommendations to improve the sell-through in assigned product categories.
- Maintain awareness of competitive activity and new opportunities in the market, by attending trade shows and supplier's visit to improve assortment and sales performance.
Ordering & Procurement
- Manage the end-to-end ordering process for replenishment and new products, and purchase order processing.
- Regularly review replenishment levels to ensure maximum store performance and raise any issues with the Merchandising Team.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date stock levels to ensure there is enough stock cover across each category and ensure reordering.
- Build and maintain communication with external suppliers to ensure the smooth flow of goods.
- Monitor delivery schedules, liaising with logistics providers, couriers, and suppliers, and updating the Stock Controller and Retail Service Team accordingly. (Asana board)
Pricing & Financial Management
- Set pricing and margin strategy in coordination with the Senior Merchandising Manager.
- Maintain up-to-date price information, implementing price changes if required.
- Monitor supplier invoices to ensure that payments are made in a timely manner, working closely with the Finance team to resolve any issues.
Product & Retail System Management
- Register new product information in the retail system and maintain SKU details for in-store and online sales and update any changes in product information.
- Assist in translating product names from Japanese to suitable English names following company guidelines.
- Provide up-to-date product launch schedules and any information needed to assist the Retail Service Team.
Reporting & Analysis
- Develop and update weekly and monthly Sales reports and Inventory levels across all categories.
- Assist the Merchandising team by providing reports and a dashboard to support decision-making and strategy development.
Administrative Support & Communication
- Maintain an organized filing system on the shared drive (POs, invoices, supplier details, contracts, etc.).
- Assist the Retail Service Team with product information and customer queries.
Risk Management
- Develop and maintain a product risk register
- As an employee of Japan H.L. Limited , under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc.Act 1974 be responsible for your personal safety and that of all personnel under your authority, including others who may be affected by the Company's activities. Additionally, you must also co-operate with the Company to enable it to discharge its own responsibilities successfully.

Key Relationships

Internal

Senior Merchandising Manager
Merchandising & Buying Manager
Stock Controller
Retail Finance Team
Retail Experience Team
Retail Services Manager
Retail Marketing Team
Operations Team

External

Vendors and Suppliers
Logistics and shipping partners

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

5+ years of experience of working in a high-end retail merchandising role
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Experience of and competent user of an inventory management and other retail IT systems
Japanese language
High standard of business analytical skills
High business standard English language skills are essential
Excellent level of MS Office suite including advanced Excel skills including VLOOKUP's and SUMIF's
High level of numerical and analytical skills
Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
A high level of personal drive & commitment
Ability to multi-task and prioritize work
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent time management skills
An understanding of Japan or Japanese cultures would be an advantage
Support the culture of service excellence, both internally and externally and good team player
Good communication skills (written & verbal)
Reliable, well organised and ability to prioritise workload
Good at problem solving

Work Environment

Office is based at Japan House London, Kensington High Street however, off-site work is occasionally required.
Normal working hours are eight hours per day, five days per week, with core hours from 10am to 3pm.
Additional after-hours project and event-related work may often be required
Some duties will be carried out in Japan House London public spaces

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance - up to 36 days per year inclusive of public and bank holidays
Group life insurance scheme
Remote GP service
Cycle to work scheme
Employee discount for the Japan House Shop and Stand
Discount platform for high street shops
Access to perks and discounts local to Kensington High Street, London
Personal learning budget

Japan House London Limited

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