Category Assistant Manager

JAPAN HOME (RETAIL) PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A retail company in Singapore is seeking a Buyer/Category Manager to support category strategies and vendor management. You will assist in driving sales and product assortment while ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate has 2–4 years of experience in retail or FMCG, a strong command of English, Chinese, and Cantonese, and is proficient in Microsoft Excel. This fast-paced role also demands strong negotiation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in retail or FMCG.
• Proficient in analysing sales data and market trends.
• Good command of English, Chinese, and Cantonese.

Responsibilities

• Assist in formulating and implementing category plans.
• Manage vendor relationships and pricing negotiations.
• Monitor stock levels for product availability.
• Prepare purchase orders and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Support promotional planning and product placement.
• Generate reports to track category performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Fast learner

Negotiation skills

Multitasking

Communication skills

Team player

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

Buyer / Category Manager / Assistant Manager at 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.
• 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.
• 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 analysing 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.