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The Brand & Merchandise Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, development, production, and lifecycle management of KBZ Bank’s branded merchandise, calendar production, corporate gifts, promotional items, packaging, and brand assets. This role ensures that every merchandise item reflects the KBZ brand identity while delivering innovative, premium-quality, and cost-effective solutions that enhance customer experience, employee engagement, and brand visibility. Working closely with Creative, Marketing, Procurement, Finance and business stakeholders, the Manager oversees the complete merchandise development process from concept and design through sourcing, production, quality assurance, inventory management, and distribution.

Key Responsibilities
Brand & Merchandise Strategy

• Develop and execute merchandise and corporate gifting strategies, including seasonal campaigns and premium collections, to strengthen the KBZ brand and enhance stakeholder experiences.
• Lead the end-to-end development of branded merchandise, corporate gifts, POSM, Calendar and packaging, collaborating with the Creative team to deliver high-quality products.
• Research global / local trends in design, retail, luxury merchandise, materials, and packaging.
• Review and approve artwork, packaging, mock-ups, prototypes, and production samples.
• Oversee packaging structure, finishing techniques, presentation standards, and sustainability considerations.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Source, evaluate, and manage local and international suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, production schedules, and commercial terms.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, delivery, service, and cost efficiency.
• Support quotation evaluation, supplier selection, and negotiations.

Inventory & Asset Management

• Manage inventory of corporate merchandise and promotional materials.
• Forecast stock requirements and coordinate replenishment.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock.
• Maintain accurate records of merchandise assets and distribution.

Budget & Cost Management

• Develop and manage merchandise budgets.
• Compare supplier quotations and recommend the best value.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining product quality.
• Monitor project expenditures and ensure efficient budget utilization.

Project Management

• Manage multiple merchandise projects simultaneously.
• Develop project plans, production schedules, and timelines.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide regular project updates and progress reports.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze merchandise performance, supplier performance, stakeholder feedback, and budget utilization.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for future merchandise strategies.
• Measure project outcomes and identify continuous improvement opportunities.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor and support team members involved in merchandise development.
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations while meeting tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in branding, merchandise management, product development, procurement, or corporate gifting.
• Experience managing corporate merchandise programs and supplier relationships.
• Experience in banking, Telecom, FMCG, retail or corporate branding is an advantage.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a similar role.