In-Market Merchandiser — Softgoods Japan
Company
Global Snowboarding & Outdoor Brand
Location
Tokyo, Japan
Employment Type
Full-time
About the Role
The In-Market Merchandiser will serve as the category expert for the Japan market, translating global merchandising strategies into locally optimized business plans across softgoods categories. This position plays a critical role in driving assortment planning, pricing strategies, GTM alignment, inventory management, and sell-through performance for both DTC and wholesale channels.
Working closely with global category leadership, regional marketplace teams, marketing, planners, and product development functions, this role will ensure strong market relevance while supporting sustainable business growth within Japan’s snowboard, ski, and outdoor market.
This is a highly cross-functional and international role requiring frequent in-market travel within Japan as well as periodic travel to global headquarters in the United States.
Key Responsibilities
Act as the market expert for Japan across snowboard, ski, and outdoor softgoods categories
Analyze market trends, competitor activity, consumer behavior, and retail dynamics within Japan
Share local market insights and business opportunities with global merchandising teams
Translate global category strategies into regional business and merchandising plans
Optimize regional assortments across DTC and wholesale channels, including pricing and promotional strategies
Identify and manage Japan-specific SMUs (Special Make-Ups) and regional collaboration projects
Drive regionally tailored product initiatives and identify business growth opportunities
Collaborate with global marketing and merchandising teams to align GTM execution strategies
Build item-level sales and inventory forecasts in partnership with category planners
Analyze sell-through performance, sales trends, inventory positions, and product rankings
Provide weekly and monthly reporting to global stakeholders
Lead preseason line showings, sell-through clinics, and key account presentations
Support wholesale partners with product presentations and seasonal planning
Make pricing, discounting, and inventory management decisions based on market conditions
Requirements
Minimum 5 years of category management or merchandising experience
Strong experience working cross-functionally within international organizations
Experience managing regional assortment planning across multiple sales channels
Proven ability to drive business growth through KPI and revenue management
Strong analytical and strategic planning skills with the ability to translate data into action plans
Deep understanding of Japan’s wholesale structure, retail environment, and key category competitors
Technical apparel background required
Native-level Japanese and business-level English communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in product development or regional collaboration projects
Experience managing Japan-specific assortments or collaboration initiatives
Strong affinity with snowboard, outdoor, or action sports culture
Experience using forecasting or merchandise planning tools such as Centric Planning
Key Metrics
Revenue and margin performance
Market growth and market share
Sell-through rates and SKU efficiency
Inventory turnover and GMROI
Weekly reporting and forecasting accuracy
Working Style & Travel
Hybrid work model (Monday–Thursday office / Friday remote)
Core working hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Estimated travel: 30–50% including domestic travel within Japan and periodic international travel to headquarters in the United States
Benefits
Global and collaborative work environment
Opportunity to work closely with international teams and leadership
Exposure to global merchandising and product strategy
Flexible hybrid work arrangement
Employee-focused culture rooted in outdoor and snowboard communities