Category Merchandising Manager (Mandarin-Speaking)

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

Job summary

SM Retail Inc. is seeking a Category Merchandising Manager (Mandarin-Speaking) to drive category success across retail affiliates through forecasting, buying, assortment planning, and inventory management.

You will develop and execute merchandising strategies that hit sales, assortment and margin targets while maintaining healthy stock levels. The role includes supplier negotiations, product development, market analysis, sourcing new suppliers, and presenting insights to senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Retail Management, Business Management or related field.
• 2+ years in buying, merchandising, category management or related retail function.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, presentation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Mandarin or Fookien language proficiency is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to travel for store and warehouse visits.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee buying activities and day-to-day responsibilities of Merchandise Assistants.
• Develop sales and margin forecasts to support departmental objectives.
• Create and implement category merchandising strategies to meet sales, assortment and margin targets.
• Monitor open-to-buy, inventory levels and product deliveries to improve turnover.
• Negotiate with suppliers for pricing, terms and discounts.
• Visit stores and warehouses to monitor assortment, inventory conditions and presentation.
• Collaborate with store managers and sales teams on merchandising issues.
• Monitor competitor assortments and market trends to identify opportunities.
• Develop promotional plans and present strategies to senior management.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical

Presentation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree (Marketing/Retail)

Job description

The Category Merchandising Manager (Mandarin-Speaking) plays a key role in driving the success of our retail categories through strategic forecasting, buying, assortment planning, and inventory management across our Retail Affiliates.

You will develop and execute merchandising strategies that support sales and assortment targets while maintaining healthy margins and optimal inventory levels. The role also involves supplier negotiations, product development, market and trend analysis, sourcing new suppliers, and presenting merchandising strategies and recommendations to senior management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the buying activities and day-to-day responsibilities of Merchandise Assistants.
• Develop sales and margin forecasts to support departmental business objectives.
• Create and implement category merchandising strategies that achieve sales, assortment, and margin targets while maintaining optimal inventory levels and minimizing markdowns.
• Monitor open-to-buy, inventory levels, and product deliveries to ensure alignment with business plans and improve inventory turnover.
• Negotiate with suppliers and vendors to secure competitive pricing, favorable payment terms, and discounts.
• Conduct regular warehouse and stockroom visits to monitor product quality, replenishment, and merchandise presentation.
• Visit stores to evaluate product assortment, displays, inventory conditions, and previous-season merchandise.
• Collaborate with Store Managers and sales teams to address merchandise-related concerns and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor competitor assortments, pricing, promotions, and merchandise presentation to identify market opportunities.
• Stay updated on emerging market trends, consumer preferences, and potential new suppliers.
• Develop promotional plans and evaluate campaign results to support future merchandising strategies and business planning.
• Present category strategies, insights, and recommendations to senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Retail Management, Business Management, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in buying, merchandising, category management, or a related retail function.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Mandarin or Fookien language proficiency is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to travel for store and warehouse visits as required.