Product Merchandiser
1 day ago
Islington
We’re seeking for an Experienced Product Merchandiser to join our buying team. About the role We’re looking for an experienced Product Merchandiser to join our growing Buying Team at I Wish. You’ll play a key role in sourcing and managing production mainly across China, but also India, Turkey, and Europe, working closely with suppliers to achieve the best balance of quality, craftsmanship, lead times, and pricing. We’re looking for someone with strong technical product understanding, excellent factory relationship management skills, and a solid grasp of production, quality control, testing, and compliance processes. You’ll work collaboratively with factories and internal teams to ensure products are delivered to the highest standards. This is a full-time, on-site role based in our office in Islington, with discretionary flexibility to work remotely one day per week. Responsibilities • Work collaboratively within our existing Buying Team to support the development and production of licensed merchandise across multiple product categories, • Build and maintain strong relationships with factories and suppliers across China, India, Turkey, and Europe, • Source the most suitable factories, materials, and production methods based on quality, craftsmanship, pricing, and lead times, • Manage product development from sampling through to final production, ensuring timelines, specifications, and approvals are achieved, • Work closely with factories to resolve technical, production, and quality challenges throughout the manufacturing process, • Negotiate pricing, MOQs, production terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers and vendors, • Raise and manage purchase orders while closely monitoring production progress and shipment timelines, • Coordinate testing, inspections, quality control, and compliance requirements to ensure products meet client, retailer, and licensor standards, • Collaborate closely with design, logistics, and project management teams throughout the full product lifecycle, • Maintain accurate supplier records, costing benchmarks, production trackers, and technical documentation, • Support ethical sourcing practices and sustainability initiatives wherever possible What we are looking for • 5+ years’ experience in merchandising, sourcing, and buying directly from factories in China, • Strong understanding of product construction, materials, manufacturing techniques, and production processes, particularly within the collectibles, giftware, and souvenir categories, • Confident evaluating craftsmanship, quality, and pricing to achieve the best overall product outcome, • Solid knowledge of factory workflows, product development, sampling, testing, quality control, and compliance processes, • Commercially minded with strong negotiation, costing, and supplier management skills, • Proven experience building and maintaining strong factory and supplier relationships, • Comfortable resolving technical, production, and quality challenges collaboratively with vendors, • Highly organised with excellent communication and time management skills, • Able to thrive in a fast-paced, creative, and detail-focused environment, • Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and database management Language Requirements • Mandarin: Native or fluent, • English: Professional or bilingual proficiency Bonus Points If You Have • Experience working with licensed merchandise and global entertainment brands such as Disney, Harry Potter, Universal, or Netflix, • Previous experience within promotional merchandise, retail merchandise, collectibles, or souvenir product categories Soft Skills & Mindset • A genuine team player who collaborates well across departments, • Calm under pressure and able to manage shifting priorities confidently, • Highly organised with excellent time management skills, • Detail-oriented and passionate about product quality, • A confident communicator who builds strong supplier relationships, • Naturally curious and always looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes, • Self-motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic about what they do, • Someone who enjoys problem solving and takes ownership when challenges arise About us We’re I Wish, a sourcing merchandise company with a deep passion for storytelling through product. We design and produce licensed merchandise inspired by some of the world’s most iconic brands and characters, creating products that spark joy, nostalgia, and connection for fans around the globe, merchandise people genuinely treasure. Working across both retail and promotional merchandise, we’re proud to collaborate with partners including Harry Potter Stores, Disneyland Paris, The Walt Disney Company, Universal Pictures, and Netflix, among others. Why join us? Since launching in 2023, we’ve grown quickly and continue to expand our portfolio of international clients, product categories, and exciting new projects. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment where creativity is encouraged, individuality is celebrated, and soft skills are valued just as highly as technical expertise. With ambitious plans for the future and a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, this is an exciting opportunity to join a company entering its next stage of growth. Perks & Benefits • 28 days holiday allowance in addition to public holidays, • Complimentary breakfast essentials including cereal, fruit, bread, spreads, tea, and coffee, • Discretionary one work-from-home day per week, • Discretionary annual bonus based on company performance and achievement of role objectives, • Opportunity to work with globally recognised entertainment and retail brands, • A collaborative and creative working environment within a growing international business, • Real opportunity for progression and career development as the company continues to expand, • Exposure to exciting licensed merchandise projects across retail and promotional categories, • Modern office space in the heart of Islington, featuring a cafeteria area, kitchen, showers, and comfortable breakout spaces. Salary expectations • 32-38K per year depending on experience. Application Process • Please submit your CV and cover letter, via Linkedin.
