Category Merchandising Supervisor

The Category Buyer maintains a commercially balanced and evolving merchandise program; aims to achieve profitability and hastened merchandise movement through effective buying and inventory management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning and Buying

• Formulates and monitors OTB plan as approved by Merchandising Manager;
• Supports Merchandising Manager in setting directions through proactive feedback on the effectiveness of previous and current merchandise strategies as well as identification of focus, growth, and exit areas;
• Puts together a commercially balanced product range reflective of agreed business plans, market positioning and customer profile which may include e.g., SMU, Online exclusives;
• Communicates and negotiates with suppliers regarding samples, orders, FOB prices, MOQs and brand building support among others.
• Prepares line plan and works with Channel Merchandiser on distribution strategies and applicable revisions once orders have arrived.

Inventory Management

• Monitors sell through at brand level of products and proactively takes action to ensure maximum sales and profit is achieved.
• Monitors and assesses correctness of current product mix and makes appropriate actions to maximize bestsellers, minimize risks and identify gaps in the market.
• Monitors inventory levels and aging and takes action to bring them to profitable levels.
• Discusses and coordinates with Brand Person on promotions to improve product sell-through.
• Implements discounting and depletion strategies that are timely and maximizes profit both online and offline.

Monitoring and Assessment

• Handles participation in merchandising initiated sale events and/annual bodega sale.
• Coordinates with Account Executives on inquiries, orders, stocks and reports relating to corporate orders.
• Reviews any other pertinent documents and forms related to the department and its staff (i.e. Price List, Remittance Advice, Request for Payments, etc.).

Market Intelligence

• Builds on product knowledge and category expertise through familiarization with competitor and complement brands' product ranges, pricing and positioning.
• Conducts regular store visits and validates flow of merchandise strategy from back-end to front-end and considers appropriate actions to improve.
• Attends trade exhibits and meetings with principals/suppliers as assigned.
• Builds on customer, market and competitor intelligence; establishing similarities and differences in doors per grading band, size or area.

People Management

• Works closely with the Merchandise Head on workload of the merchandise team and recommends necessary prioritization.
• Trains, coaches and develops more junior members of merchandising team thus improving their competencies and increasing overall team productivity.
• Develops and conducts product training for door staff and Merchandising Assistant.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, or any related course.
• At least 3 years work experience in merchandising, marketing, and retail business.
• With knowledge in open-to-buy (OTB).
• Willing to work full-time on a flexible on-site schedule in Malate, Manila.