Manager - Buying (Clothing)

**JD Summary**:
The Department Manager: Baby Clothing is responsible for driving the overall business performance, range strategy, and merchandise planning of the baby clothing category. This role ensures that the department meets its sales, margin, and inventory objectives through effective buying, product selection, supplier negotiation, and close collaboration with planning, allocation, and retail operations teams.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Business & Category Management_:

- Develop and execute annual business plans for the baby clothing department, aligning with company strategy and financial goals.
- Monitor sales, margin, stock, and sell-through performance, taking timely actions to achieve targets.
- Analyze key business reports and market data to identify trends, customer preferences, and growth opportunities.
- Partner with Planning to ensure optimal OTB (Open-to-Buy) utilization and inventory control.
- Review and propose markdown strategies and promotional plans to maximize profitability.
- This role is responsible for the South East Asia region and involves international travel.
- Buying & Merchandising: _
- Define the seasonal product assortment, ensuring the right mix of fashion, basics, and value lines suited for the baby category.
- Collaborate with design, sourcing, and suppliers to deliver product ranges in line with brand DNA and customer demand.
- Negotiate with vendors to achieve the best cost, margin, and delivery terms.
- Ensure timely product development, sampling, and approvals according to the critical path.
- Maintain balanced inventory levels across regions and channels to support consistent availability and sell-through.
- Merchandise Planning & Analysis: _
- Work closely with the planning team to forecast sales and define buying quantities by season and subcategory.
- Analyze weekly and monthly performance data to assess range efficiency, sell-out ratios, and aging stock.
- Recommend product reorders, price revisions, and discontinuations based on performance insights.
- Partner with allocation teams to ensure effective stock distribution across stores and channels.
- Cross-functional Coordination: _
- Liaise with Marketing, Retail Operations, and Visual Merchandising to ensure consistent product presentation and promotional alignment.
- Coordinate with the supply chain and warehouse teams to ensure smooth inbound flow, stock availability, and timely replenishment.
- Partner with finance on budgeting, margin management, and cost optimization initiatives.
- Leadership & Team Development: _
- Lead and mentor Assistant Buyers / Merchandisers within the category.
- Foster a collaborative working culture between Buying, Planning, and Retail functions.
- Encourage data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement within the team.
- Others: _
- Additional ad-hoc tasks as deemed necessary basis business requirements and not defined in this document maybe included to meet operational requirements.

**Qualifications**

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or Retail Management.

2. Minimum 5-7 years of experience in merchandising or buying within apparel retail, preferably in baby or kids wear.

3. Strong commercial acumen with proven success in product planning, buying, and vendor management.

4. Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

5. Proficiency in Excel and merchandise planning systems.

Pay: From RM18,000.00 per month

**Benefits**:

- Health insurance
- Opportunities for promotion
- Professional development

Work Location: In person