Merchandise Manager for Innerwear and Activewear

Merchandise Manager for Innerwear and Activewear JOB PURPOSE The Merchandise Manager for Innerwear and Activewear oversees the approval and control of the purchasing and merchandise buying function within limits of delegated authority; investigates new developments relative to materials, supplies, and services; makes recommendations designed to reduce costs and improve quality. RESPONSIBILITIES Act as the primary filter between Merchandising and Product Development to ensure that design supports customer and business needs while remaining innovative. Ensure product assortments are aligned and not duplicative. Ensure consistency in look between differing businesses (e.g. apparel/accessories, men/women, tops/bottoms). Set the department’s price position within the competitive landscape and formulate pricing strategies in keeping with the brand’s image and market. Review and approve all Price Docs in accordance with the approved price structure. Review and release all Purchase Orders in adherence to the buying budget. Ensure efficient management of the buying budget. Give the final approval on all pre-production samples to ensure product execution meets the design aesthetic and that product meets commercially acceptable quality standards. Manage the Cost of Goods (COG) and inventory targets. Responsible for developing and maintaining the department’s operational budget. Fully responsible for identifying and executing opportunities for process improvement. Maintain adherence to established Merchandising business processes and to company policies and guidelines. Organize work schedules and timelines; ensure deadlines are met and requirements accomplished as planned; modify strategies where needed and provide appropriate and timely direction to the team in response to changing trends; delegate responsibility and decision-making appropriately to other personnel. Lead the Merchandising team in brainstorming for developing fashion trends and identifying merchandise handles for the season; set the strategic direction of the business, identifying growth areas and new business opportunities. Implement cost-effective, efficient and realistic plans; work with the Inventory Planning and Allocation Group (IPA) in developing the Open-to-Buy/buying budget; review merchandise assortment per season to ensure the best possible combination of designs leading to a well-balanced stock. During the line planning process, select merchandise that is commercially viable, timely and in keeping with the brand’s image, market and pricing structure; identify redundancies in the product assortment; ensure prices meet the required percentage markup to achieve desired profitability. In coordination with the Inventory Planning & Allocation group and the Merchandise Manager, recommend markdowns and price breaks to hasten movement of slow-moving stocks while maximizing fast-sellers. Develop and maintain a fair, equitable and professional working relationship with vendors. Research market information to identify business opportunities and risks; monitor competitor activities; develop knowledge of market demand and preferences; conduct product research on fashion trends; understand consumer needs through research and interaction with store personnel; review historical sales and inventory data to inform strategies. SUPERVISING, COACHING Cultivate talents within the group. Conduct regular evaluation of job performance among team members and impose disciplinary measures when necessary. Accurately assess employee strengths and developmental needs. Develop a fair, equitable and professional working relationship with subordinates. Provide subordinates with appropriate resources and training for their development. RESEARCH Gather marketplace information to identify business opportunities and risks. Monitor competitor activities and maintain up-to-date industry information. Develop thorough knowledge of the market to know consumer demand and preferences in terms of style, comfort and price. Conduct product research on latest fashion trends through the internet, magazines and other materials. Understand consumer needs and behavior through research, regular interaction with store personnel and consultations with knowledgeable sources. Review historical sales and inventory records and use key profit indicators as a basis for strategy. Derive conclusions based on historical/current product performance and marketplace information. Monitor product sell-through to determine movement of established product lines and new products. Monitor sales achievement vs. planned sales to adjust the buying budget if necessary. Other Requirements Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s/College Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Economics, Engineering (Industrial), Finance/Accountancy/Banking, Business Studies/Administration/Management, Commerce or equivalent. At least 5 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position. Applicants must be willing to work in GABC 1155 North EDSA, Balintawak, Quezon City. Preferably Assistant Manager / Managers specializing in Merchandising or equivalent. Location and application details are provided by GOLDEN ABC, Inc. and may be subject to change. #J-18808-Ljbffr