Merchandise Buyer

Job Summary

The Merchandise Buyer role is responsible for driving profitable assortment planning and inventory management through strategic Open-to-Buy (OTB) control, principal sourcing, and data-driven decision-making. The role ensures optimal product mix, timely procurement, and effective vendor negotiations while monitoring sell-through performance and inventory health across all channels. It supports business growth through market and competitor analysis, accurate reporting, and cross-functional coordination.

The position also leads the integration of AI and analytics to enhance demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and overall buying efficiency.

Merchandise Planning and Buying

• Develop and manage the Open-to-Buy (OTB) plan, a critical financial budget that dictates inventory purchases, ensuring alignment with sales forecasts and inventory targets to maximize gross margin return on investment (GMROI).
• Execute strategic principal sourcing, identifying and establishing relationships with key suppliers and original brand manufacturers globally to secure the best cost, quality, and delivery terms.
• Spearhead the brand merchandising strategy by curating a commercially viable and trend-right product assortment that strengthens the brand's market position and achieves sales objectives.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules with vendors.
• Secures confirmation of orders and ensures the timely build of the Item Masterlist.
• Ensures necessary checks, documentation, and communication are performed in a timely manner to facilitate receiving of orders.

Inventory Management

• Prepares comprehensive sell-thru reports to monitor product performance, identifying fast and slow movers to inform in-season reorders and markdown strategies.
• Manages inventory levels across all points of sale to ensure optimal stock-to-sales ratio.

Monitoring and Assessment

• Prepares, updates, and analyzes merchandising reports for review, discussion with Merchandising Head/SBU Head, and implementation of action plans.
• Ensures timely and accurate payment to suppliers; reviews and processes pertinent financial documents (i.e., Remittance Advice, Request for Payments, etc.).
• Prepares merchandising memos (e.g., new arrivals, pricing updates) for internal communication.
• Coordinates with Account Executives on inquiries, orders, stocks, and reports relating to corporate orders.

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 the flow of merchandise strategy from back-end to front-end, recommending appropriate actions to improve visual merchandising and customer experience.
• Builds on customer, market, and competitor intelligence; establishing similarities and differences in doors per grading band, size, or area.

Integrating AI and Technology

• Lead the integration of AI tools into the buying workflow, leveraging predictive analytics for demand forecasting, optimal inventory allocation, and markdown strategy optimization.
• Utilize advanced data modeling to continuously refine the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process for greater accuracy and agility, minimizing stock-outs and excess inventory.
• Implement systems for automated vendor performance tracking and principal sourcing risk assessment.

Job Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, or any related course.

Qualifications

At least 3 years of work experience in merchandising, inventory management, and retail business.

With experience in open-to-buy (OTB).

Willing to work full-time on a flexible on-site schedule in Malate, Manila.