Head of Merchandising & Retail Strategy

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Head of Merchandising & Retail Strategy

(Title flexible based on experience)

We are seeking an experienced merchandising leader to own product strategy, retail execution, and channel expansion for a growing hospitality-driven lifestyle brand. This is a hands-on role for a commercially minded operator who thrives in ambiguity, builds from scratch, and executes personally.

This position sits at the intersection of product development, sales strategy, supply chain, and field execution—with direct accountability for expanding retail, e-commerce, and B2B channels while ensuring operational excellence across the end-to-end merchandising lifecycle.

The ideal candidate is bilingual (Japanese/English), deeply familiar with food-related merchandising and logistics, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multicultural environment bridging hospitality and retail.

What You’ll Own

• Lead product planning, development, and OEM coordination, ensuring quality, compliance, and on-time execution
• Independently identify, pursue, and secure new retail, wholesale, EC, and B2B channels—from prospecting through contract close
• Own key customer and partner negotiations, balancing commercial logic with trust-based relationship building
• Develop and execute merchandising and promotional strategies aligned with brand, guest experience, and revenue goals
• Oversee food-specific supply chain operations, including FDA compliance, shelf-life management, and temperature-controlled logistics
• Optimize inventory planning and operational efficiency across channels
• Serve as a hands-on field leader—willing to step into stores, supplier discussions, and operational problem-solving as needed
• Lead, mentor, and develop the merchandising team, including Assistant Manager and support staff
• Act as a proactive thought partner to leadership, offering constructive recommendations to improve execution and scalability

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Capability

• 5+ years of experience in merchandising, retail strategy, or product management
• Proven success building new channels from the ground up without existing playbooks
• Strong OEM, supplier, and production management experience
• Working knowledge of food industry logistics and regulatory requirements
• Experience in hospitality, food, luxury, or lifestyle brands strongly preferred

Behavioral Fit

• Highly hands-on — comfortable in the details and accountable for outcomes
• Persuasive, credible communicator who can navigate tough negotiations and build long-term trust
• Strategically aligned but proactively opinionated — brings ideas, not just execution
• Thrives in multicultural, bilingual environments

Languages

• Business-level fluency in Japanese and English required

Why Join

This is an opportunity to help shape a growing, design-forward hospitality brand at a pivotal moment. You’ll own real scope, influence revenue, and see your work come to life across physical locations, e-commerce, and wholesale channels.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and long-term growth within an internationally respected organization known for quality, creativity, and operational rigor.

At Goodwin Recruiting, we are committed to our core values and providing world class customer service. We are committed to helping our clients navigate and comply with the complex and ever-changing labor laws as well as help ensure that in every hiring decision, internally and with our client partners, that all viable candidates are considered, and the most qualified candidate is offered the role. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. We put our money where our mouth is and are proud of our efforts to identify a broad slate of candidates, with many hiring success stories to share.

JOB ID: 166680

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Francesca Brajuha

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