Kendo Manager, Global Brand Strategy & Operations
Kendo (LVMH) seeks a Manager, Global Brand Strategy & Operations in San Francisco. Temporary, hybrid role leading product lifecycle and E&O strategy.
Overview
Kendo Holdings is a San Francisco–based beauty brand developer and wholesaler owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton. As an incubator for next-generation beauty concepts, Kendo builds and scales distinctive brands (including Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin) through rapid product development, creative storytelling and retail partnerships across Sephora and select channels.
Role & Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end Product Lifecycle Management across the brand portfolio, ensuring timely execution of Global Assortment, Space Planning and Discontinuation milestones.
- Lead global space planning and assortment optimization in partnership with Global Brand and Visual Merchandising teams to maximize retail presence and visibility across store formats.
- Direct the Discontinue process through quarterly cross‑functional governance, consolidating market feedback and ensuring milestone alignment (Budget, Strat Plan, R1, R2).
- Develop and execute Excess & Obsolete (E&O) strategy including inventory monetization, monthly sales plans and performance tracking versus targets.
- Manage negotiations and sales processes with off‑price partners to maximize recovery and margin outcomes.
- Partner with Brand, Finance, Sales and Supply Planning to drive data‑driven decisions, P&L health and operational efficiencies.
- Orchestrate global-to-regional alignment and Go‑To‑Market execution, streamlining communications between Global Brand and international markets.
- Serve as a primary international liaison for monthly global meetings and market week presentations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance or a related field; MBA preferred or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in brand, operations or merchandising within beauty, fashion or luxury, with exposure to makeup, skincare or fragrance.
- Proven experience in inventory management and familiarity with off‑price channels is a strong plus.
- Demonstrated project management and process improvement experience; Project Manager mindset with a focus on efficiency.
- Strong analytical aptitude with hands‑on sales performance analysis and business reporting experience.
- Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple global initiatives concurrently.
- Effective leadership and cross‑functional collaboration skills, including experience working with international teams and stakeholders.
Skills
Experience
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in brand, operations, or merchandising within the beauty, fashion, or luxury goods industry, with experience in makeup, skincare, or fragrance.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance or related field; MBA preferred.
Workplace
The role is situated in San Francisco, California, USA. There are currently 30 open positions in San Francisco on Cerulean, with 5 added recently. Within California, Cerulean currently features 360 open roles, including 16 recent additions. Across USA, Cerulean lists 2.211 open roles — 80 of them newly added.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 58 to USD 66 per hour.
Benefits
Hybrid work schedule: in-office Tuesday–Thursday; remote Monday and Friday.
Culture
Kendo operates as a fast, entrepreneurial hub within the LVMH ecosystem, prioritizing creativity, storytelling and product excellence. The culture emphasizes a "can do" spirit, inclusion, resilience and collaborative cross‑discipline partnerships to move ideas quickly from concept to market.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.