Category Merchandising Manager (Mandarin-Speaking)

SM Retail; Philippines; On-site; PHP 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

SM Retail seeks a Category Merchandising Manager (Mandarin-Speaking) to drive forecasting, buying, assortment planning, and inventory management across Retail Affiliates.

You will develop merchandising strategies to meet sales and margin targets, negotiate with suppliers, analyze market trends, and present recommendations to senior management. Strong Mandarin or Fookien proficiency is advantageous and travel to stores/warehouses may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Retail Management, Business Management or related field.
• At least 2 years of buying, merchandising, category management, or related retail experience.
• Mandarin or Fookien language proficiency is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to travel for store and warehouse visits.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee buying activities and daily duties of Merchandise Assistants.
• Develop sales and margin forecasts to support objectives.
• Create category merchandising strategies to meet sales, assortment, and margin goals.
• Monitor open-to-buy, inventory levels, and deliveries for alignment with plans.
• Negotiate with suppliers for pricing, terms, and discounts.
• Perform warehouse visits to check quality, replenishment, and presentation.
• Visit stores to evaluate assortment, displays, and inventory conditions.
• Collaborate with Store Managers and sales teams on merchandising improvements.
• Monitor competitor assortments, pricing, and promotions for opportunities.
• Stay updated on market trends and supplier opportunities.
• Develop promotional plans and assess campaigns for future planning.
• Present category strategies and insights to senior management.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical

Presentation

Communication

Interpersonal

Mandarin

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/ Retail Management/ Business Management

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.