Role Overview
As the Global Merchandise Function Lead, you will bridge the gap between premium brand strategy, commercial retail management, and complex global logistics. You will own the end-to-end lifecycle from budgeting, planning, production, fulfillment and inventory management; for high-volume, client-facing corporate swag/ merchandise, alongside key internal employee swag initiatives. Your primary mission is to maximize global brand awareness and match the variety and quality of competitors, while aggressively optimizing production eco-system and supply chain networks to reduce international shipping costs.
Key Responsibilities
🗺️ Global Logistics & Cost Optimization
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Regional Hub Network: Design, build, and manage a decentralized network of regional manufacturing and fulfillment partners (e.g., Asia, EU, APAC) to transition operations from centralized shipping to localized distribution.
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Freight & Tariff Management: Navigate complex international customs, import duties, and compliance regulations to eliminate delays and optimize total landed costs.
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Strategic Fulfillment: Balance air / ocean / ground freight for high-volume product runs with agile, on-demand fulfillment models for internation swag projects.
🛒 Product Management & Brand Alignment
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Fintech-Grade Product Development: Source and develop retail-quality, minimalist, and highly desirable merchandise ( accessories, premium apparel, funtional goods) that reflect company values and compete with top-tier fintech brands.
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Commercial E-commerce Operations: Oversee inventory planning, demand forecasting, stock allocation, and return management for client-facing channels, minimizing dead stock.
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Quality Assurance & Sustainability: Establish rigid QA standards ensuring all products mirror the premium nature of our fintech platform.
📊 Financial & Strategic Leadership
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with Sales and Marketing business units, and Procurement to align merchandise production with marketing calendars, product launches, and internal milestones.
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Budget & ROI Tracking: Manage the global merchandise budget, forecast spending, and implement metrics to track the impact of merchandise on brand awareness and client acquisition.
Candidate Qualifications
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Experience: 6+ years in global merchandise management, supply chain, or retail product management, ideally within tech, fintech, or high-growth consumer brands.
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Logistics Expertise: Proven track record of managing complex cross-border shipping, customs clearance, and setting up localized/regional production hubs.
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Vendor Management: Deep experience negotiating contracts with international manufacturers, printers, and 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) providers.
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Analytical Skills: Advanced data-driven forecasting skills with command over inventory management systems (IMS) and e-commerce platforms.