Buyer & Category Manager & Assistant Manager

JAPAN HOME (RETAIL) PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A retail company in Singapore seeks a dynamic Buyer / Category Manager / Assistant Manager responsible for managing product categories. The role involves supporting strategic initiatives, vendor relations, promotional planning, and inventory control. Candidates should have 2-4 years in retail/FMCG, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in English and Cantonese. Excellent communication and analysis skills are essential to thrive in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Fast learner, adaptable, and proactive, thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• Good command of English, Chinese, and Cantonese with strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage assortments, promotions, and deadlines.
• 2–4 years of experience in retail/FMCG with category management exposure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration.
• Proficient in analyzing sales data and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Support category plans to increase sales and profitability.
• Assist in managing vendor relationships and product sourcing.
• Monitor stock levels to minimize overstock or stockouts.
• Prepare purchase orders, documents, and ensure compliance.
• Support promotional activity design and pricing tactics.
• Coordinate product placement for visibility and turnover.
• Maintain product mix and review SKUs to optimize performance.
• Generate reports to track category performance.
• Collaborate across departments for smooth execution.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor Relationships

Microsoft Office

Interpersonal Skills

Inventory Management

FMCG

Category Management

Merchandising

Strategic Thinking

Cantonese

Assortment Management

Pricing Strategies

Product Sourcing

Shipping Coordination

Turnover Management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Roles & Responsibilities

Job Description

Buyer / Category Manager / Assistant Manager

Support the department head in driving both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations across assigned product categories. You will contribute to building customer‑centric assortments, executing impactful promotions, and strengthening vendor relationships in line with the company’s standards and values.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy Execution

Assist in formulating and implementing category plans aimed at increasing sales, profitability, and market presence, guided by market data and consumer trends.

Vendor & Supplier Management

Assist in managing vendor relationships, product sourcing, pricing negotiation, execution of supplier agreements (negotiate favourable credit terms), delivery timeline, house‑brand initiatives and payments.

Inventory & Stock Control

Help monitor stock levels to ensure product availability while minimizing overstock and /or out‑of‑stock situation through efficient inventory management.

Documentation and Compliance

Speed & accuracy in preparing and processing purchase orders, shipping documents, and relevant records.

Ensure all imports comply with Singapore’s regulatory and safety standards.

Coordinate with customs brokers and logistics providers for smooth import processes.

Promotional Planning & Pricing

Support the design and evaluation of promotional activities and pricing tactics to drive store traffic, stimulate sales, and remain competitive in the market.

Merchandising & Visual Planning

Coordinate product placement and planogram layouts to maximize visibility and turnover, particularly in high‑demand categories.

Assortment & Product Range Management

Help shape and maintain a relevant product mix that aligns with customer preferences and reinforces Japan Home’s brand identity. Regularly review SKUs to optimize assortment depth and performance.

Performance Analysis & Reporting

Generate regular reports and dashboards to track category performance, highlight trends, and propose actionable improvements.

Cross‑Departmental Collaboration

Work closely with merchandising, logistics, operations, and marketing teams to ensure alignment and smooth execution of category strategy.

Requirements

• Fast learner, adaptable, proactive, and eager to thrive in a hyper fast‑paced retail environment. Sense of urgency is critical for this role.
• Good command of English, Chinese and Cantonese. Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to multitask with speed and manage assortments, promotions, and deadlines.
• 2–4 years of experience in retail or FMCG, preferably with exposure to category management, buying, or merchandising, preferably in household / lifestyle / supermarket products.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across teams and with suppliers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
• Proficient in analyzing sales data, market trends, and using tools like Excel.
• Team player.

"We are seeking candidates proficient in Chinese/Cantonese to effectively communicate with Chinese/Cantonese‑speaking clients."

Skills

• Negotiation
• Vendor Relationships
• Microsoft Office
• Interpersonal Skills
• Inventory
• FMCG
• Category Management
• Merchandising
• Strategy
• Cantonese
• Assortment
• Pricing
• Sourcing
• Shipping
• Turnover