Buyer cum Merchandiser

Universal Sports Sdn. Bhd.; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports retailer in Kuala Lumpur is looking for a Retail Buyer cum Merchandiser to manage procurement and product selection. This role involves negotiating with suppliers, maintaining stock levels, and analyzing product performance. Candidates should have a degree in Business or a related field and 2–4 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in Excel and a passion for retail trends, particularly in sports, is essential. The role contributes significantly to meeting sales targets and optimizing inventory management.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years experience in retail buying and/or purchasing.
• Strong skills in negotiation, organization, and analysis.
• Proficient in Excel and inventory management tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end buying and procurement.
• Source and evaluate products suitable for the retail brand.
• Monitor stock levels and sales performance.
• Negotiate with suppliers on pricing and terms.
• Analyze product performance for future buying needs.

Skills

Negotiation

Organization

Analytical skills

Detail-oriented

Knowledge of retail trends

Customer behavior understanding

Education

Diploma/Degree in Business or related field

Tools

Excel

Inventory systems

ERP tools

Job description

The Retail Buyer cum Merchandiser is responsible for end-to-end buying and procurement of products that meet the company’s sales targets, brand positioning, and customer demands. This role plays a crucial part in selecting the right product mix, maintaining optimal stock levels, managing supplier relationships, and supporting retail growth through strategic assortment planning.

You will handle both high-level product selection and the operational execution of purchasing activities — ensuring the right products are available at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the right cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Buying & Product Selection

  Identify and evaluate products that fit the retail brand's target market, trends, and business goals.

  Source new products and brands to continuously refresh assortment and meet evolving consumer preferences.

  Work with the marketing and retail team to plan product launches, bundle sets, or campaign-featured items.

  Plan assortments by store and seasonality.

  Monitor sell-through performance and adjust replenishment/markdown strategies.

  Work closely with marketing and retail operations to align on product launches, campaigns, and promotions.

  Ensure visual merchandising standards are met to highlight key products and drive sales.

  Liaise and negotiate with suppliers on pricing, MOQ, lead time, payment terms, and exclusivity where applicable.

• 4. Procurement & Order Management

  Issue and manage purchase orders (POs), monitor deliveries, and coordinate shipment logistics.

  Track order status, resolve delivery discrepancies, and ensure accurate documentation (invoices, DOs, etc.).

  Work with warehouse/logistics to ensure smooth inbound & outbound flow of stock.

• 5. Inventory Planning & Stock Replenishment

  Monitor stock levels and sales performance across retail outlets and channels.

  Plan timely replenishment to avoid stockouts and reduce overstocking or slow-moving inventory.

  Coordinate inter-store stock transfers or rebalancing where needed.

• 6. Cost & Margin Management

  Ensure buying decisions meet gross margin targets and price competitiveness.

  Regularly review product costs and negotiate better terms when possible.

  Propose pricing strategies based on product positioning, cost, and market trends.

• 7. Reporting & Analysis

  Analyze product performance (sell-through, margin, aging) and make data-driven decisions for reorders or markdowns.

  Prepare buying reports, PO summaries, and assortment planning decks for review with management.

  Forecast future buying needs based on seasonality, trends, and business targets.

Requirements

• Diploma/Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or related field.
• 2–4 years experience in retail buying and/or purchasing, preferably in racket sports, football, related.
• Strong negotiation, organization, and analytical skills.
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple SKUs and tight timelines.
• Proficient in Excel, inventory systems, or ERP tools.
• Passionate about retail trends and customer behaviour.
• Strong knowledge & Passion for football and familiarity with global/local football brands is a plus.