Merchandise Manager - Health and beauty aids

Job Summary:We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Merchandise Manager to lead and oversee the commercial performance Health and Beauty Aids. This role is critical in developing category strategies, optimizing supplier relationships, and delivering profitable sales growth. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, the ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a strong background in retail category management, pricing, product assortment, and commercial negotiation.Key Responsibilities:Lead category planning, including assortment management, pricing, promotions, and product lifecycle decisions.Manage relationships with suppliers, negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to maximize value and secure supply.Collaborate with procurement, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure product quality, food safety compliance, and on-time delivery.Analyze sales, margin, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and mitigate risks.Oversee inventory management to optimize stock levels, reduce waste, and maintain product freshness.Drive innovation by identifying new products, seasonal items, and trends in categories.Coordinate with marketing and store operations for promotional activities and in-store merchandising standards.Lead, coach, and develop the commercial team within the fresh division to achieve performance targets.Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements related to food safety, labeling, and quality standards.Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management on division performance and strategic initiatives.Qualifications & Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or related field. Marketing, or a related field. MBA is a plus.Minimum 5–8 years of commercial management experience in relevant food or non – food categories, preferably in supermarket or large retail environments.Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation and supplier management skills.Excellent analytical skills with ability to interpret sales data, market trends, and financial reports.Deep understanding of category dynamics, including supply chain and quality control.Leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.Proficiency with retail systems, ERP, and advanced Excel skills.Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.Proven success in managing diverse retail categories.