Assistant Merchandising & Buying Manager

SM Retail; Philippines; On-site; PHP 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

SM Retail is seeking an Assistant Merchandising & Buying Manager to drive product assortments and strategic category decisions. You will identify market opportunities, negotiate with suppliers, and collaborate with internal teams to optimize sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

The role involves planning product assortment, forecasting, and inventory management in a fast-paced, retailer environment. Mandarin or Fookien ability is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or related field.
• 2-5 years in merchandising, buying, category management, retail, purchasing, or related commercial role.
• Strong understanding of retail merchandising, product assortment, inventory management, and commercial planning.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, results-oriented in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Mandarin or Fookien ability is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute merchandising and category strategies aligned with sales, margin, and business objectives.
• Plan and manage product assortment, sales forecasts, inventory levels, and product allocation to maximize sales and turnover.
• Identify new products, market trends, customer preferences, and potential suppliers to continuously improve the assortment.
• Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, discounts, promotions, payment terms, and other commercial agreements.
• Conduct competitor and market checks, including pricing, promotions, product assortment, and merchandising practices.
• Work closely with store operations, suppliers, marketing, planning, and other stakeholders to execute merchandising initiatives.
• Prepare reports and business insights to support category decisions and commercial planning.
• Stay updated on retail trends, customer behavior, and emerging product opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Stakeholder management

Merchandising

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing/Retail Management

Job description

Drive the products, categories, and strategies that customers love.

We’re looking for a commercially driven Assistant Merchandising & Buying Manager who knows how to spot market opportunities, understand customer needs, and turn insights into the right product assortment.

In this role, you’ll be involved in merchandising strategy, buying, inventory planning, supplier negotiations, product sourcing, and category performance. You’ll work closely with suppliers and internal teams to build competitive assortments that drive sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute merchandising and category strategies aligned with sales, margin, and business objectives.
• Plan and manage product assortment, sales forecasts, inventory levels, and product allocation to maximize sales and inventory turnover.
• Identify new products, market trends, customer preferences, and potential suppliers to continuously improve the assortment.
• Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, discounts, promotions, payment terms, and other commercial agreements.
• Conduct competitor and market checks, including pricing, promotions, product assortment, and merchandising practices.
• Work closely with store operations, suppliers, marketing, planning, and other stakeholders to execute merchandising initiatives.
• Prepare reports and business insights to support category decisions and commercial planning.
• Stay updated on retail trends, customer behavior, and emerging product opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field.
• At least 2-5 years of experience in merchandising, buying, category management, retail, purchasing, or a related commercial role.
• Strong understanding of retail merchandising, product assortment, inventory management, and commercial planning.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Ability to speak Mandarin or Fookien is an advantage.