Merchandising/Category Director (Retail Chain)

A senior Merchandising/Category Director position has just been made available with a reputable Health and Beauty Chain in Malaysia.

A unique opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Merchandising Director to join a highly respected and well-established retail pharmacy and health & beauty chain in Kuala Lumpur. This pivotal role is designed for someone who thrives on shaping commercial and category strategies that drive business growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction across a nationwide network of stores. As the Merchandising Director, you will be entrusted with overseeing all aspects of category management, sourcing, buying, vendor relationships, assortment planning, pricing, and space optimisation. You will play a vital part in identifying emerging consumer trends and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the industry by delivering an exceptional in-store experience. The organisation is renowned for its commitment to innovation, continuous store expansion, and omnichannel development, offering you the chance to make a significant impact within a supportive and collaborative environment. Flexible working opportunities and ongoing training are integral to their culture, ensuring your professional growth is prioritised alongside business success.

• Take charge of end-to-end merchandising strategy for one of Malaysia’s most prominent retail networks, influencing product selection, pricing, and in-store presentation across hundreds of locations.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences while driving category growth and profitability through data-driven decision making.
• Benefit from flexible working arrangements and comprehensive training opportunities within a company celebrated for its inclusive culture and commitment to employee development.

What you'll do:

As Merchandising Director, you will be responsible for orchestrating the entire commercial strategy across multiple categories within a leading retail environment. Your day-to-day activities will involve close collaboration with various departments to ensure that every aspect of the merchandising function—from supplier negotiations to assortment planning—runs smoothly. You will analyse market data to anticipate shifts in consumer preferences while continuously refining product offerings to meet evolving demands. By leveraging your expertise in pricing strategy and space optimisation, you will help create engaging shopping experiences that delight customers at every touchpoint. Success in this role requires not only technical proficiency but also an ability to inspire your team towards shared goals while nurturing strong partnerships both internally and externally.

• Develop and implement comprehensive merchandising strategies that align with overall business objectives and support long-term growth across all retail categories.
• Lead category management initiatives by analysing market trends, consumer behaviour, and sales data to optimise product assortments and maximise revenue.
• Oversee sourcing and buying activities by building strong relationships with suppliers and negotiating favourable terms that enhance value for both the business and customers.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including marketing, operations, supply chain, and finance to ensure seamless execution of category plans and promotional campaigns.
• Drive vendor partnership programmes that foster mutual growth, innovation, and shared success while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
• Design effective pricing strategies based on competitive analysis, margin targets, and customer insights to ensure products remain attractive in a dynamic marketplace.
• Optimise store layouts and shelf space allocation through data-driven space planning techniques that improve product visibility and encourage customer engagement.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sales, inventory turnover, gross margin return on investment (GMROI), and customer satisfaction to inform ongoing improvements.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and digital tools that enhance merchandising processes, reporting accuracy, and team productivity.
• Mentor, guide, and develop a high-performing merchandising team by fostering a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.

What you bring:

To excel as Merchandising Director in this thriving retail organisation you will bring substantial hands-on experience from similar roles where you have shaped commercial outcomes through thoughtful strategy development. Your background should reflect deep familiarity with managing diverse product categories at scale—ideally gained within FMCG or health & beauty settings—alongside a proven capacity for forging productive supplier alliances. You will be adept at using data analytics not just for reporting but as a foundation for actionable insights that drive real-world improvements. Your approach will be grounded in empathy; you understand how best-in-class merchandising can transform the customer journey while supporting colleagues’ growth through coaching. A passion for continuous improvement coupled with an openness towards adopting new technologies will further distinguish your candidacy.

• Extensive experience in retail merchandising or category management within FMCG, pharmacy, beauty or other consumer-led sectors is essential for this position.
• Demonstrated track record of developing successful commercial strategies that have driven measurable business results across large-scale retail operations.
• Proven ability to manage complex supplier negotiations while building long-term partnerships based on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting sales data, market research findings, and financial reports to inform strategic decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a talent for collaborating effectively across functions such as marketing, supply chain, finance, operations, and IT.
• Experience leading high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities tailored to individual strengths.
• Deep understanding of assortment planning principles combined with practical knowledge of pricing models relevant to fast-moving consumer goods environments.
• Familiarity with digital merchandising tools or technology platforms that streamline reporting processes or enhance customer engagement is highly desirable.
• Ability to adapt quickly in response to changing market conditions while maintaining focus on long-term objectives set by senior leadership.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards in all dealings with vendors as well as promoting inclusivity within the workplace.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as one of Malaysia’s most established names in health & beauty retailing—a brand synonymous with trustworthiness thanks to decades-long heritage serving communities nationwide. Their extensive store network ensures broad reach while their commitment to customer-centricity underpins every aspect of their operation. Employees benefit from flexible working opportunities designed around work-life balance as well as access to comprehensive training resources aimed at nurturing both personal advancement and collective achievement. The company’s inclusive ethos fosters genuine collaboration among teams; everyone’s contribution is valued regardless of background or tenure. With ongoing investments into omnichannel capabilities plus regular store expansions reflecting robust growth ambitions there are ample opportunities here for talented professionals seeking meaningful career progression within a supportive environment.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in merchandising leadership to new heights within an influential retail setting then this could be your next exciting move—apply now if you feel inspired!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided; we look forward to connecting with passionate candidates eager to make a difference.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C