General Manager
Summary
India
On-Site
USD
-
Full-time
Category
Apparel
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Roles & Responsibilities
We are seeking a seasoned and strategic General Manager – Merchandising with direct experience working with the UNIQLO brand to lead our end-to-end merchandising and product execution function. The successful candidate will bring deep knowledge of UNIQLO’s product philosophy, operational rigor, and global merchandising standards. This role is critical to driving our performance as a trusted manufacturing partner, ensuring exceptional service, efficient execution, and product excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
1. UNIQLO Account Management
- Serve as the primary liaison for UNIQLO teams on all merchandising, development, and planning matters.
- Understand and execute against UNIQLO’s strict quality, price, and timeline requirements.
- Ensure full compliance with UNIQLO’s SOPs, compliance standards, and production systems (e.g., SMV, costing, traceability, etc.).
2. Product Development & Merchandising
- Lead development of seasonal collections and core product lines in collaboration with internal design, technical, and sourcing teams.
- Guide pricing strategies, product positioning, and cost engineering in line with UNIQLO expectations.
- Translate trend direction and buyer inputs into executable product plans with detailed tech packs and timelines.
3. Manufacturing & Supply Chain Coordination
- Work cross-functionally with production, QA/QC, sourcing, and raw material procurement teams to ensure efficient product execution.
- Drive lead time optimization and ensure 100% on-time delivery (OTD) across all UNIQLO orders.
- Ensure product development aligns with manufacturing feasibility and cost efficiency.
4. Data & Performance Analysis
- Track order performance, development accuracy, and cost margins with precision.
- Analyze customer feedback, sales performance (if available), and factory output to refine merchandising strategy.
- Lead product risk assessment and issue resolution proactively.
5. Team Leadership & Development
- Build, mentor, and lead a team of merchandisers, coordinators, and product managers.
- Create a culture of accountability, speed, and precision consistent with UNIQLO’s operational DNA.
- Facilitate ongoing training in UNIQLO systems, processes, and quality requirements.
Pre Requisites
- 12+ years of experience in apparel merchandising, with a strong background in handling UNIQLO accounts either directly or as part of a vendor team.
- Proven success managing large-volume accounts with strict timelines and high quality standards.
- Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, costing, and bulk production processes.
- Experience in working with Japanese buyers or global buying offices preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Merchandising, Fashion Management, Business, or related field.