General Manager

Job Description : General Manager - Merchandising

Location : Chennai

Industry : Leading Retail Conglomerate (Preferred Background: Jewellery)

Employment Type : Full Time, Permanent

Role Category : Top Management - Merchandising, Buying & Category Strategy

About the Opportunity:

- We are excited to announce an exclusive leadership opening with one of India's leading retail conglomerates for the role of General Manager - Merchandising. This is a pivotal position designed for an accomplished professional with deep expertise in retail merchandising, preferably in the jewellery industry, and proven leadership in driving merchandising strategies at scale.

- The General Manager will be responsible for shaping merchandising strategies, aligning product assortments with market demand, optimizing inventory management, and ensuring profitability while creating world-class retail experiences. This role offers a unique chance to influence the strategic direction of merchandising, work closely with leadership, and drive transformation in one of India's most competitive retail markets.

Key Responsibilities:

As General Manager - Merchandising, you will play a critical role in leading the merchandising function and ensuring excellence in execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Merchandising Strategy & Planning

- Develop and implement a comprehensive merchandising strategy aligned with organizational growth objectives.

- Conduct regular market studies, consumer behavior analysis, and competitor benchmarking to anticipate trends.

- Define assortment strategies to meet diverse customer needs while reflecting the brand's positioning.

- Establish pricing and promotional frameworks to balance profitability with competitiveness.

2. Category Management

- Oversee product mix and assortment planning for multiple retail formats and geographies.

- Strengthen category performance by identifying high-growth product categories, especially in jewellery.

- Introduce innovative product lines and collections based on consumer demand, fashion trends, and market research.

- Monitor SKU productivity and ensure category-level profitability.

3. Vendor Development & Supplier Management

- Build strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and designers to source high-quality merchandise.

- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery timelines to achieve optimal cost efficiency.

- Ensure consistent product availability and timely deliveries to support retail expansion.

- Work closely with artisans, craftsmen, and jewellery vendors for exclusive product development.

4. Retail Experience & Product Presentation

- Collaborate with retail operations and visual merchandising teams to ensure consistent brand storytelling.

- Drive store layouts, product displays, and in-store customer experiences that enhance conversions.

- Ensure that merchandising decisions support both sales and brand equity.

5. Inventory & Supply Chain Alignment

- Establish robust inventory management processes across stores and distribution centers.

- Optimize stock levels to avoid understocking or overstocking situations.

- Leverage data analytics and technology platforms to track sales performance and manage replenishments.

- Align merchandising strategies with supply chain efficiency and logistics operations.

6. Leadership & Team Development

- Lead and mentor a team of category managers, buyers, and merchandising professionals.

- Build capabilities within the team by providing continuous training and knowledge-sharing.

- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer-centric thinking.

- Set clear KPIs and performance standards for team members.

7. Business & Financial Impact

- Own revenue and margin delivery for merchandising across all categories.

- Monitor P&L performance of the merchandising function and implement corrective actions where needed.

- Drive cost optimization initiatives while maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.

- Align with finance teams to ensure accurate budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

8. Innovation & Market Responsiveness

- Keep abreast of global retail trends, particularly in the jewellery segment.

- Introduce innovative merchandising concepts, product launches, and exclusive collections.

- Leverage digital platforms, omnichannel strategies, and e-commerce integration to expand reach.

- Continuously explore opportunities for product diversification and new market entries.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We are looking for an experienced and strategic leader who meets the following Qualifications:

- Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or related field.

- Specialized training in merchandising, fashion/jewellery retail management, or supply chain will be an added advantage.

Professional Experience:

- 18-25 years of progressive experience in retail merchandising, preferably with a strong background in the jewellery industry.

- Proven expertise in handling large-scale merchandising operations across geographies.

- Strong exposure to product development, vendor management, inventory planning, and category profitability.

Core Competencies & Skills:

- Merchandising Leadership: Ability to define and execute merchandising strategies at scale.

- Jewellery Industry Knowledge: Understanding of jewellery trends, customer preferences, and sourcing networks.

- Financial Acumen: Strong P&L management and analytical decision-making.

- Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Proven track record in building strong supplier and partner relationships.

- Customer-Centric Approach: Ability to create product assortments that resonate with evolving consumer behavior.

- Leadership Excellence: Capability to build, inspire, and lead large, diverse teams.

Key Skills Required:

- Retail Merchandising

- Category Management

- Jewellery Merchandising & Trends

- Vendor Management & Negotiation

- Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination

- Pricing & Assortment Strategy

- Leadership & Team Building

- P&L Responsibility

- Visual Merchandising & Retail Presentation

- Omnichannel Merchandising (Skills highlighted with '' are considered preferred key skills.)

What We Offer:

- A senior leadership role with end-to-end ownership of merchandising for a leading retail conglomerate.

- Competitive compensation package of ?60 - ?80 LPA (negotiable based on profile and expertise).

- An opportunity to influence the strategic direction of merchandising in one of India's most dynamic retail sectors.

- Exposure to high-growth markets and opportunities for innovation in retail product strategy.

- A platform to make a lasting impact on consumer experiences and retail brand positioning.

Role & Career Progression:

- Role: General Manager - Merchandising

- Reporting To: Business Head / Chief Merchandising Officer / CEO (depending on org structure).

- Growth Path: Potential to move into Vice President - Merchandising or Chief Merchandising Officer roles, with expanded responsibilities across geographies and product categories.

Application Process:

If you are a seasoned merchandising professional with expertise in retail and jewellery and are passionate about driving merchandising excellence at scale, we invite you to apply for this high-impact leadership opportunity.

Take the next step in your career and lead the merchandising function of a reputed retail conglomerate. Shape strategies, deliver customer-centric assortments, and redefine merchandising excellence in the jewellery retail sector.