Manager, Merchandising & Brand Partnerships

Manager, Merchandising & Brand Partnerships

Location: Seolleung, South Korea

Contract Duration: 6–12 months (Flexible)

Estimated Hours: ~40 hours/week

Reports to: Vice President, Merchandising & Marketing

Contract Type: Independent Contractor (Monthly retainer; competitive contractor rate)

About Soko Glam

Soko Glam is a leading curator and distributor of Korean beauty products with a mission to help all people believe there are only good (skin) days ahead. Since 2012, we’ve brought K-beauty to the global stage through thoughtful curation, education, and authentic storytelling. Our global footprint spans e-commerce, wholesale, and international retail partnerships.

About the Role

The Manager of Merchandising & Brand Partnerships will lead efforts to develop and execute merchandising strategies and build strong brand relationships that drive growth in the U.S. and global markets. This role is responsible for identifying, securing, and managing brand partners, analyzing performance metrics, and aligning closely with cross-functional teams across the U.S. and South Korea. The ideal candidate is strategic, analytical, and experienced in the beauty category, with a deep understanding of K-beauty and both retailer and e-commerce operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and negotiate new brand partnerships and develop curated assortments aligned with company goals.
• Maintain and grow existing brand relationships through strategic account support, including business reviews, performance optimization, and SKU expansion.
• Work cross-functionally with U.S. and Korean Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, and CX teams to coordinate product launches and marketing initiatives.
• Analyze category and SKU-level performance to inform assortment and discontinuation strategies.
• Lead the development and launch of exclusive sets or new SKUs in collaboration with brand partners and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to support strategic decision-making and brand positioning.
• Provide weekly, monthly, and quarterly KPI reporting and insights to internal teams and brand partners.
• Act as a liaison between Korean brand partners and U.S. teams to ensure communication is clear, timely, and actionable.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 4–5 years of relevant experience in merchandising, buying, or brand management (beauty industry preferred)
• Bilingual fluency in Korean and English (verbal and written)
• Strong understanding of the Korean beauty industry, product development, and retail landscape
• E-commerce experience and familiarity with the U.S. retail and distribution environment
• Proven track record in brand relationship management and business development
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills
• Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) and retail math
• Highly organized, self-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced global environment

Additional Notes

This is an independent contractor role. The selected contractor will operate with autonomy and discretion in how work is completed, while remaining responsible for fulfilling agreed-upon deliverables and timelines. While Soko Glam may propose general collaboration windows to facilitate communication with internal stakeholders and external partners, the contractor retains control over their schedule.

The contractor will also:

• Submit a monthly invoice for services rendered, in accordance with the scope of work and hours mutually agreed upon.
• Not be subject to performance evaluations, annual reviews, or other assessments typically associated with an employment relationship.
• Not be eligible for employee benefits, including paid leave, severance, health insurance, or retirement contributions.
• Utilize their own tools, equipment, and resources in the performance of services, unless otherwise agreed upon for operational efficiency (e.g., the use of a company email address for brand and communication consistency).

This position is classified as an independent contractor engagement and does not constitute an employment relationship under the Labor Standards Act of South Korea.