Brand Curator

The Brand Curator role in the Merchandising / Buying & Curation / Brand Partnerships Department based in Navi Mumbai involves the identification, onboarding, and management of brands that resonate with the company's vision, aesthetics, and target audience. By staying abreast of consumer trends, market dynamics, and product presentation, you will be instrumental in curating a distinctive and appealing brand portfolio for both in-store and online platforms. Your responsibilities will include: 1. Brand Identification & Onboarding: - Discover and assess emerging and established brands that align with the company's retail philosophy. - Curate a diverse range of brands across different categories to elevate the customer experience and drive commercial success. - Negotiate commercial terms, margins, and agreements with selected brand partners. 2. Product & Collection Curation: - Collaborate with partner brands to curate product collections tailored for each season or campaign. - Maintain a cohesive brand narrative, uphold quality standards, and ensure visual coherence with the store's identity. - Work closely with the Visual Merchandising (VM) and marketing teams to present collections effectively in-store and online. 3. Trend & Market Research: - Stay informed about local and global trends in fashion, lifestyle, home, beauty, and other pertinent categories. - Analyze consumer behavior, sales data, and competitor activities to drive brand curation strategies. 4. Relationship & Account Management: - Serve as the primary liaison for brand partners, fostering strong relationships to drive operational efficiency and potential exclusivity. - Monitor sell-through performance, stock levels, and strategize reorders or exits as needed. 5. Cross-Functional Coordination: - Collaborate closely with supply chain, logistics, and inventory teams to ensure seamless product intake and management. - Coordinate with the marketing team on brand launch strategies, influencer collaborations, and co-branded events. To excel in this role, you should possess: - A Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Retail Management, Business, or a related field; a Master's degree is advantageous. - 1-3 years of experience in buying, brand curation, or category management within the retail/lifestyle sectors. - A keen understanding of market trends, aesthetics, design, and customer preferences. - Strong negotiation, analytical, and interpersonal skills. - Proficiency in retail metrics, POS systems, and trend forecasting tools. Preferred qualifications include experience with Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands or premium/luxury brand ecosystems, exposure to visual merchandising or concept store development, and a solid grasp of retail analytics and consumer insights.,