Category Assistant Manager

JAPAN HOME (RETAIL) PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A retail company in Singapore is looking for a Buyer / Category Manager / Assistant Manager to assist in strategic initiatives and daily operations. The role involves managing vendor relationships, executing category strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should possess 2–4 years of retail experience, strong negotiation skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and the ability to communicate in English, Chinese, and Cantonese. This position requires a fast learner who can multitask effectively and thrive in a high-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in retail or FMCG.
• Good command of English, Chinese, and Cantonese.
• Experience in category management, buying, or merchandising preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in formulating and implementing category plans.
• Manage vendor relationships and product sourcing.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure product availability.
• Prepare purchase orders and shipping documents.
• Support promotional planning and pricing activities.
• Coordinate product placement and planogram layouts.
• Maintain a relevant product mix that reflects customer preferences.
• Generate reports and dashboards to track category performance.
• Collaborate with merchandising, logistics, operations, and marketing teams.

Skills

Fast learner

Strong negotiation skills

Ability to multitask

Strong communication skills

Team player

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Job description

Job Description

Buyer / Category Manager / Assistant Manager

Japan Home (Retail) Pte Ltd

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 situations 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 strategies.

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.