Assistant Manager – Inventory Optimization

About the role

Sephora SEA is seeking a Regional Assistant Manager to lead inventory optimization across Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. The role focuses on analyzing stock levels, identifying return opportunities, and driving cross‑functional initiatives to reduce aging inventory while supporting rapid regional growth.

Key responsibilities

• Analyze active, excess and discontinued inventory across the region to pinpoint return opportunities.
• Incorporate commercial variables such as store openings, promotions, seasonality and product lifecycle into inventory decisions.
• Review the Annual Return to Vendor (RTV) calendar, prioritize key brands and help achieve regional depreciation targets.
• Collaborate with the Regional Planning Team to create joint inventory reduction plans, including markdowns and vendor returns.
• Produce comprehensive reporting on RTV status for the entire SEA region.
• Lead RTV negotiations with external brand partners and finalize return agreements.
• Coordinate with local supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely physical execution of returns.
• Maintain clear communication channels between internal departments and brand partners.
• Define and monitor action plans to improve processes, methods and tools.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in planning or supply chain functions.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication and stakeholder‑management abilities.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, results‑driven and able to work under pressure.
• Demonstrates ownership, initiative, continuous improvement and a client‑centric mindset.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel
• VBA
• Power BI
• SAP