Senior Merchandiser (Furniture)

JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Merchandiser is responsible for executing Category directives in their focus country. They are the liaison between the San Francisco based team and the factories, managing seasonal developments, vendor relations, Time & Action (T&A) and key communications. They work in conjunction with WSI cross functional teams to support the US based team and factory needs. JOB CONTENT AND DUTIES: 1. Product Development: Work with Line Manager on category strategy to ensure right product, right vendor Fully versed on Time & Action (T&A) master calendar and all key dates. Alert Sourcing team when falling off calendar. Manage Testing of products with factories and protocol adherence. Communicate target costs and sample ETD to vendors, and follow up on weekly progress Communicate program approval to vendors and ensure that the factory has the correct approved sample before they go into production Troubleshoot any issues that come up in production and work with factory to ensure on-time delivery and notify Sourcing team if there are any major delays. 2. Negotiate costs and MOQs Negotiate with factories to achieve target costs for seasonal developments. Obtain agreement on initial and reorder Minimum of Quantity (MOQs). Address factory up-charges as they arise and work with the brand to drive agreements. 3. Vendor relations and capacity management Facilitate On-boarding of new vendors. Create strong relationships with all our key vendors. Plan and create strategic vendor development to establish long term business growth. Stay on top of factory issues (strikes, holidays, etc) and communicate as needed to the SF team. 4. Sourcing Source new products /factories via trade shows and market contacts. Understand where our competitors are producing their product and the capabilities of all our factories. 5. Development Trips Coordinate development trips with corporate sourcing team and the vendors. Prepare all documents and samples for team’s visit. 6. Collaborate with SCO and QA teams Monitor the inspection schedule across factories together with SCO and QA teams. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree is required Minimum 6 years of practical experience in Furniture products Knowledge of vendor sourcing, product development and cost negotiation Basic knowledge of Furniture manufacturing process Management experience would be an advantage COMPETENCIES & TECHNICAL SKILLS: Technical & Language Proficiency Advanced computer skills Full professional proficiency in English Proficiency in Chinese is an advantage Communication & Presentation Clear and effective verbal and written communication Strong presentation proficiency Negotiation & Costing Expertise in costing discussions Skilled negotiation with stakeholders Vendor Management Factory evaluation capability Vendor engagement and relationship management Capacity management experience Organizational & Analytical Skills Strong prioritization and organizational ability Attention to detail and accuracy in execution Analytical and problem-solving skills Teamwork & Leadership Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team Project management and leadership competence Direction-setting and decision-making capability Service Orientation & Interpersonal Skills Customer-focused mindset Positive interpersonal relationship building Professional maturity and resilience under pressure