Category Manager (Merchandiser)

We are looking for Merchandiser (Buyers, Category Manager):

A. RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· To be responsible for delivering the merchandise strategy for specific Merchandise Departments, ensuring that sales, profit and income generation targets are met.

1)  Sales Generation

· Generate sales by ensuring that the Guardian’s target customers are provided with the products and services that they want.

· Seek innovative products sourced throughout the world to provide newness and interest in the Guardian’s offer.

· Develop in liaison with the marketing department attractive and interesting promotional events that follow a pre-agreed selling plan.

· Work closely with retail and sales management to ensure that store layouts, promotions, and display techniques are effective in maximizing sales and profit from the specific merchandise categories.

· Keep abreast of the retail environment by paying regular visits to stores and competitors and taking appropriate action to maintain competitive advantage.

· Develop a cataloging matrix to ensure that varying customer needs are satisfied in different localities.

2)  Profit Generation

· Establish and maintain effective margin and price controls that maximize business profits whilst delivering a good value offer to the customer.

· Negotiate and work with vendors to build mutually beneficial relationships to ensure long-term strategic partnerships, leading to lower costs and higher margins.

· Maximize profit by utilizing category management techniques to manage assortments, pricing, and promotion.

3)  Stock Control

· Manage stock levels and mark-downs to ensure that product availability is high yet ensure that cash flow is maximized by controlling stock levels in both warehouse and stores within set targets.

· Establish and maintain effective SKU control.

4)  Systems and People

-  Actively exploit benefits of the new merchandise management system ensuring sales, profit and costs are effectively managed.

-   Develop and train subordinates ensuring that they are customer and product-focused.

-   Manage performance through the setting and reviewing of individuals’ performance.

-  Build an effective and open working relationship both within the Merchandise Department and with other Departments.

-  Assert a high level of administrative control to ensure the smooth running of the specific Merchandise Departments.

5) Dimensions

-   Important quantitative items that best describe the scope of your job (eg sales volume, budgetary responsibility, number of subordinates).

-   Budgeted sales, profit, income and stock levels.

6)  Decision-Making Authority

-   Buying for responsible categories.

-   Vendor negotiations on margin, promotions and listings.

-   Retail pricing

-   In-store display for relevant categories.

B. REQUIREMENT:

- University Graduate in Economics, Business Administration

- 4+ years FMCG/ Retail experience (knowledge of Beauty and Healthcare is a plus), prefer candidates who have experience with online channels and Omni channel

- Energetic and action-orientated

- Good at Negotiation skills, Influencing skills, Analytical

- Customer-centered and Open to change

- Well planned and Forecasting.