Merchandising Team Lead

About the job Merchandising Team Lead

Job Summary

We are looking for a strategic and results-driven Merchandising Team Lead to lead our end-to-end merchandising function, building a comprehensive portfolio strategy to bridge Korean and U.S. product selection/operations. This role will oversee brand sourcing, product strategy, category planning, campaign execution, and cross-border operational support across online and offline stores. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of both K-beauty and the U.S. beauty market, and a proven ability to translate global strategies into high-impact local executions.

What Youll Do

K-Beauty Strategy & Operations

• Collaborate with Korean HQ and U.S. teams to develop and manage a strong K-beauty brand portfolio and product pipeline
• Lead planning and launch of exclusive products for the U.S. market, including GWP, special kits, and gift sets
• Oversee regular purchase orders and local sourcing schedules to ensure timely product availability
• Plan and execute merchandising campaigns in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Report on performance metrics of key MD campaigns

eCommerce Strategy & Operations

• Serve as liaison between HQ and U.S. MD teams to establish effective communication and collaboration
• Support regulatory processes, including MoCRA compliance and inbound logistics workflows
• Assist in building local e-commerce capabilities, including localized UI/UX and functionality improvements
• Collaborate with HQ local/global merchandising teams on new brand onboarding

MD Management & Reporting

• Develop and execute localized MD strategies aligned with global brand direction across offline and digital channels
• Identify new growth drivers through trend spotting and market segmentation
• Analyze sales data by channel and store to generate actionable insights
• Track, evaluate, and optimize performance of merchandising and marketing campaigns
• Support business development initiatives including strategic partnership sourcing

Store Openings & Retail Operations

• Lead end-to-end planning for new store openings, including POG setup and in-store display coordination
• Optimize in-store experiences with localized product offerings and service innovation
• Facilitate collaboration across HQ and local departments to ensure smooth operations

Brand Sourcing & Management

• Curate and maintain a local brand pool aligned with our companys MD identity and market trends
• Lead outreach, pitching, and onboarding processes for new brand partners
• Oversee inventory planning and order cycles for local brands
• Monitor brand performance and co-plan promotions to drive growth
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with key industry stakeholders

Promotion Planning & Execution

• Design market-relevant promotional strategies using both global and local IPs
• Collaborate with brands and marketing teams on co-branded campaigns
• Adjust promotional strategies based on market trends and consumer behavior
• Align product and marketing launches with seasonal events and brand activations

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field
• 10+ years of merchandising, buying, or category management experience in the beauty or retail industry
• Strong knowledge of both Korean and U.S. beauty markets
• Demonstrated experience in product sourcing, vendor management, and campaign execution
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills
• Experience working in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in end-to-end category management with strong executive communication capabilities is preferred
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Korean is desirable but not required.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, Powerpoint and Word