Merchandise Manager (Fashion)

JOB PURPOSEUnder general supervision, oversees the approval and control of the purchasing and merchandise buying function within limits of delegated authority; investigates new developments relative to materials, supplies, and services; makes recommendations designed to reduce costs and improve quality.JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:MANAGING• Act as the primary filter between Merchandising and Product Development to ensure that design supports customer and business needs while remaining innovative.• Ensure product assortments are aligned and not duplicative.• Ensure consistency in look between differing businesses (e.g. apparel/accessories, men/women, tops/bottoms).• Set the department’s price position within the competitive landscape and formulate pricing strategies in keeping with the brand’s image and market.• Review and approve all Price Docs in accordance with the approved price structure.• Review and release all Purchase Orders in adherence to the buying budget.• Ensure efficient management of the buying budget.• Give the final approval on all pre-production samples to ensure product execution meets the design aesthetic and that product meets commercially acceptable quality standards.• Manage the Cost of Goods (COG) and inventory targets.• Responsible for developing and maintaining the department’s operational budget.• Fully responsible for identifying and executing opportunities for process improvement.• Maintain adherence to established Merchandising business processes and to company policies and guidelines.PROJECT CHAMPION• Make program plans.• Organize work schedules and timelines.• Ensure deadlines are met and requirements accomplished as planned.• Modify strategies where needed and provide appropriate and timely direction to the team in response to changing trends.• Delegate responsibility and decision-making appropriately to other personnelPLANNING• Lead the Merchandising team in brainstorming for developing fashion trends and in identifying the merchandise handle for the season.• Together with the Merchandising team, set the strategic direction of the business, identifying growth areas and new business opportunities.• In executing these strategies, ensure that smart risks are being taken, the business is protected and that financial targets are met.• Implement cost-effective, efficient and realistic plans.• Consider the impact and implications on the other components of the organization when making decisions.• Work with the Inventory Planning and Allocation Group (IPA) in developing the Open-to-Buy/buying budget.• Review merchandise assortment per season to ensure the best possible combination of designs leading to a well-balanced stock.BUYING• During the line planning process, select merchandise that is commercially viable, timely and in keeping with the brand’s image, market and pricing structure.• Identify redundancies in the product assortment.• Ensure that prices meet the required percentage mark-up to achieve desired profitability.• In coordination with IPA and the Product Managers, recommends markdowns and price breaks in order to hasten movement of slow-moving stocks while maximizing “fast-sellers” through repeat purchase and/or merchandising like items.• Develops and maintains a fair, equitable and professional working relationship with vendors.• Sources out new, reliable vendors and conducts factory visits whenever the need arises.RESEARCH• Gather marketplace information to identify business opportunities and risks.• Monitor competitor activities through networking and maintains up-to-date industry information.• Develop thorough knowledge of the market to know consumer demand and preferences in terms of style, comfort and price.• Conduct product research on latest fashion trends thru the internet, magazines and other fashion research materials.• Strive to understand consumer needs and behavior through research, regular interaction with store personnel and consultations with people in the know.• Review historical sales and inventory records and makes use of key profit indicators as basis in formulating strategies and decisions.• Derive conclusions based on historical and current product performance, as well as marketplace information.• Monitor product sell-through to determine progress/movement of established product lines and new products.• Monitor sales achievement vs. planned sales so that adjustments on the buying budget can be made, if necessary.Other Requirements:Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree , Economics, Engineering (Industrial), Finance/Accountancy/Banking, Business Studies/Administration/Management, Commerce or equivalent.At least 5 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.Applicants must be willing to work in GABC 1155 North EDSA,Balintawak,Quezon City.Preferably Assistant Manager / Managers specializing in Merchandising or equivalent.1 Full-Time position available.