Senior Merchandise Specialist

KIKO Milano is a leading cosmetics company and seeking a highly motivated Senior Merchandise Specialist to join our Franchise department.

The role consists in accompanying KIKO IMEA franchise business growth by guiding our partners in their ordering process, improving the assortment, maximizing the inventory and overall KPI’s.

It is a pivotal role in coordinating with KIKO HQ supply planning to achieve timely orders allocations to reach revenue targets.

As a Senior Merchandise Specialist, you will be responsible for optimizing product assortment, driving category performance, and ensuring the right products are available in the right stores at the right time, in line with brand standards and commercial objectives.

This is a great opportunity for a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to join our dynamic and growing team.

KIKO Milano is constantly committed to a single objective: to allow everyone to treat themselves to the most innovative cosmetics with highest quality out having to sacrifice their budget.

To give all their customers the chance to experiment in all areas of make-up and treatments with top quality shades, packaging and formulas which are always on trend.

Finally, to create a beauty care concept which is able to rewrite the rules of cosmetics: quality is no longer synonymous with high prices. With KIKO, professional luxury is an exciting reality you can touch. For every budget.

Role: Senior Merchandiser Specialist

Reports to: Head of Franchise

Location: Dubai, UAE

Responsibilities

• Guide franchise partners in their ordering process, improve assortment, maximize inventory and overall KPIs to support business growth.
• Coordinate with KIKO HQ supply planning to achieve timely order allocations and reach revenue targets.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer preferences to recommend product assortment and replenishment strategies.
• Collaborate with the Merchandise Manager and Store Managers to plan and execute seasonal collections, launches, and promotions.
• Monitor and report on category and product performance, providing actionable insights for assortment optimization.
• Support the development of annual and seasonal merchandise plans, including forecasting and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with brand guidelines for product presentation, merchandising standards, and visual displays.
• Coordinate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery and stock availability.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess merchandising execution and gather feedback.
• Provide training and guidance to store teams on merchandising best practices.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of trade marketing activities to maximize product visibility and sales.
• Control inventory levels to minimize stock-outs and overstock situations, supporting periodic stock liquidation processes.
• Contribute to the development of business cases for new product introductions and category expansions.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new merchandising team members as needed.
• Collaborate with KIKO commercial, marketing, regulatory, supply planning, finance and treasury teams to gather inputs and ensure alignment with demand planning forecasts.
• Work closely with regional franchisee partners to track, analyze and report sales and inventory data for accurate forecasting.
• Accompany partners in sharing data electronically via our data repository, enabling BI dashboard updates.
• Support and train partners in placing orders on the KIKO ordering platform to ensure smooth allocation and delivery.
• Contribute to developing tools to maintain optimal inventory levels, meeting anticipated demand and minimizing excess stock.
• Communicate yearly, quarterly, and monthly demand plans and adjustments to relevant stakeholders as part of the S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) process.

Skills & Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in Business, Marketing, or related field)
• 5 years of experience in merchandising, retail, or a similar environment
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data, identify trends, and use advanced forecasting tools and software.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with various departments and presenting findings.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business objectives and how demand planning supports them.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for maintaining accuracy in forecasts and data.
• Market Awareness: Staying updated on industry trends, market changes, and competitor activities is essential for adjusting forecasts accordingly.
• Fluency in English.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
• Knowledge of cosmetics and beauty industry trends is a plus