Merchandise Manager for Innerwear and Activewear

JOB PURPOSE

Under general supervision, 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.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

MANAGING

• 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.

PROJECT CHAMPION

• Make program plans.

• 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

PLANNING

• Lead the Merchandising team in brainstorming for developing fashion trends and in identifying the merchandise handle for the season.

• Together with the Merchandising team, set the strategic direction of the business, identifying growth areas and new business opportunities.

• In executing these strategies, ensure that smart risks are being taken, the business is protected and that financial targets are met.

• Implement cost-effective, efficient and realistic plans.

• Consider the impact and implications on the other components of the organization when making decisions.

• 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.

BUYING

• 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 that prices meet the required percentage mark-up to achieve desired profitability.

• In coordination with the Inventory Planning & Allocation group and the Product Managers, recommends markdowns and price breaks in order to hasten movement of slow-moving stocks while maximizing "fast-sellers" through repeat purchase and/or merchandising like items.

• Develops and maintains a fair, equitable and professional working relationship with vendors.

• Sources out new, reliable vendors and conducts factory visits whenever the need arises.

SUPERVISING, COACHING

• Cultivate talents within the group.
• Conduct regular evaluation of job performance among the members of his/her team and impose disciplinary measures whenever necessary.
• Accurately assess employee strengths and developmental needs.
• Develop a fair, equitable and professional working relationship with his/her subordinates.
• Provide subordinates with appropriate resources and training for their development.

RESEARCH

• Gather marketplace information to identify business opportunities and risks.

• Monitor competitor activities through networking and maintains 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 thru the internet, magazines and other fashion research materials.

• Strive to understand consumer needs and behavior through research, regular interaction with store personnel and consultations with people in the know.

• Review historical sales and inventory records and makes use of key profit indicators as basis in formulating strategies and decisions.

• Derive conclusions based on historical and current product performance, as well as marketplace information.

• Monitor product sell-through to determine progress/movement of established product lines and new products.

• Monitor sales achievement vs. planned sales so that adjustments on the buying budget can be made, if necessary.

Other Requirements:

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree , 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.
• 1 Full-Time position available.