Merchandise Buyer

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 ResponsibilitiesMerchandise Planning and BuyingFormulates 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 ManagementMonitors 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 IntelligenceBuilds 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 QualificationsBachelor’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.