Role Summary
Lead end-to-end merchandising strategy, assortment planning, pricing, inventory management, and supplier partnerships to drive retail growth in the Philippines while ensuring the right products are available at the right price across all sales channels.
Key Responsibilities
1. Merchandising Strategy & Assortment
- Develop and execute a country-specific merchandising strategy aligned with business objectives and local market demand.
- Build and optimize category assortments, pricing architecture, and SKU mix based on customer preferences, market trends, and seasonal demand.
- Manage assortment planning, Open-to-Buy (OTB), product lifecycle, new product launches, and product discontinuation.
2. Pricing, Margin & Market Analysis
- Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and profitability while achieving target gross margins.
- Monitor market trends, consumer buying behavior, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and recommend pricing adjustments.
- Manage markdown and promotional strategies to optimize inventory turnover while minimizing aged stock.
3. Inventory Planning & Supply Chain Coordination
- Partner with Supply Chain and Operations teams to maintain optimal inventory levels across stores and distribution centers.
- Monitor sell-through, stock availability, replenishment, inventory aging, and overall inventory health.
- Collaborate with Logistics and Warehouse teams to improve inventory efficiency and product availability nationwide.
4. Supplier & Vendor Management
- Source, evaluate, and manage relationships with local and international suppliers.
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, lead times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and product quality standards.
- Monitor supplier performance and resolve quality, delivery, or commercial issues to ensure business continuity.
5. Store Merchandising & Visual Execution
- Develop merchandising standards, planograms, and product presentation guidelines across retail locations.
- Partner with Retail Operations to ensure consistent merchandising execution and compliance.
- Support promotional campaigns, seasonal merchandising initiatives, and product launches.
6. Business Analysis & Reporting
- Analyze sales performance, inventory productivity, gross margin, category performance, and demand forecasts.
- Generate insights and recommendations to improve assortment productivity, inventory efficiency, and overall commercial performance.
- Prepare regular merchandising reports and business reviews for senior management.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Experience
- At least 7–10 years of merchandising, category management, buying, or commercial experience, with 3–5 years in a leadership role.
- Experience in retail, fashion, apparel, footwear, lifestyle, consumer goods, or FMCG is highly preferred.
- Proven experience in assortment planning, inventory management, pricing strategy, supplier management, and multi-store retail operations.
Skills
- Strong understanding of the Philippine retail landscape, consumer trends, and merchandising best practices.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar).
- Strong analytical, negotiation, planning, and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Proficient in both English and Filipino.
