Strategic 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

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.