Manager, Merchandising (Edutainment) 1 Year Contract

Job description

This role is hired under Mandai X, the growth accelerator and venture building arm of Mandai Wildlife Group.

We live in a world where the delicate balance with nature has been disrupted.

Reversing this trend will require a global effort of unprecedented speed and scale.

An impossible task alone.

Which is why we challenge ourselves to reach 1 billion consumers, as potential for change can only happen when many come together.

And this is where Mandai X can make a difference.

Working to influence changes in attitudes, decisions and behaviours.

Leveraging over 50 years of experience in inspiring people to value and protect nature as part of the Mandai Wildlife Group, our efforts will spark, catalyse and accelerate innovative ventures in completely new domains to drive growth and impact beyond boundaries.

Eliminating the well-entrenched trade-offs faced between commercial, human and the planet’s wellbeing; and blending everything together so that these usual conflicts faced are aligned.

We will redefine what a better life means; and unleash humanity’s collective power to make this change through impactful ventures that enable and empower individuals and companies with everyday choices that not only help them, but also make the world a better place at the same time.

Welcome to Mandai X.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Merchandising Manager to lead the development and execution of merchandise under the Ranger Buddies brand.

This role will focus on product development, supplier management, and the creation of merchandise that resonates with children and families while supporting our mission of conservation and sustainability.

The successful candidate will bring supply chain know-how, flexibility in problem-solving, and the ability to balance creative ambitions with manufacturing realities.

Who You Are

You are a builder at heart — someone who thrives when things aren’t perfectly defined.

You’ve probably worked in an early-stage startup or small, fast-moving team where a product idea had to be turned into something real.

Plans change, designs evolve, and yet you’ve learned how to make it happen without losing sight of quality or deadlines.

You’re comfortable with chaos but bring order when it’s needed.

When last-minute changes come in, you don’t panic — you assess, reconfigure, and find the best way forward.

You understand supply chain realities, you can talk manufacturing with suppliers, and you know just enough about engineering to call out when something won’t work (or suggest how it could).

You’re also a diplomat.

In merchandising, everyone has an opinion — from designers to marketers to leadership to clients.

You know that not every opinion can be acted on, and you have the judgment to pick the battles worth fighting while keeping relationships strong.

If you’ve worked on licensed merchandise before, you know how to navigate brand/IP rules and manage the added complexity that comes with it.

That’s a big plus.

Key Responsibilities and Challenges

Merchandise Development & Product Innovation

· Drive the design-to-production process for Ranger Buddies merchandise, ensuring products are engaging, safe, and aligned with brand values.

· Translate creative ideas into manufacturable products, balancing innovation, feasibility, cost, and sustainability.

· Apply technical/engineering know-how to evaluate materials, construction, and production methods to ensure durability and quality.

Supplier & Manufacturing Management

· Identify, assess, and negotiate with suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring alignment on quality, cost, and timelines.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors globally to ensure agility in production.

· Manage production timelines, inventory, and quality control, making swift adjustments when last-minute changes occur.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Diplomacy

· Collaborate with internal teams (design, marketing, sales) to bring merchandise concepts to life.

· Balance diverse perspectives, knowing when to accommodate and when to push back, ensuring product development stays on track.

· Serve as a mediator between creative ambitions and operational realities.

Licensing & Brand Integrity

· Support licensed merchandise initiatives, ensuring compliance with brand/IP guidelines.

· Work with licensing partners to develop products that uphold Ranger Buddies’ educational and conservation mission.

Financial & Commercial Oversight

· Manage merchandising budgets, cost structures, and supplier contracts.

· Ensure cost efficiency without compromising quality or brand standards.

· Partner with finance teams to track spend, margins, and overall merchandise profitability.

Requirements

· Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Product Design, or a related field.

· Strong knowledge of supply chain and product development processes.

· Familiarity with manufacturing methods, materials, and sustainability considerations.

· Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.

· Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to manage internal and external stakeholders.

· 5—7 years of experience in merchandising, supply chain, or product development, ideally in consumer products, retail, or children’s merchandise.

· Proven experience managing suppliers and manufacturers, with a strong track record of bringing products from concept to market.

· Experience in startups, scale-ups, or early-stage ventures:

o Comfortable working with limited resources and incomplete information.

o Able to pivot quickly when plans change, while still driving progress.

o Hands-on problem solver who is as comfortable in a supplier meeting as in a brainstorming session.

o Resilient in fast-changing environments, balancing creative demands with practical execution.

· Exposure to licensed merchandise development and compliance processes is a strong advantage.

· Experience balancing creative design ambitions with operational execution.

· Passion for children's products, edutainment, or sustainability is highly desirable.

· Global or cross-cultural experience in merchandising and supplier management is a plus.

Required Skill Profession

Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, And Sales Managers