Assistant Category Manager (General Merchandise GMS)

The Assistant Category Manager supports the Category Manager in planning, developing, and executing strategies for General Merchandise categories, including home essentials, lifestyle products, seasonal goods, and other household items. The role assists in assortment planning, supplier management, pricing, promotional activities, and performance analysis to ensure the category achieves sales, margin, and inventory targets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Category Support & Strategy Execution

• Assist in the preparation and implementation of category strategies and annual plans.
• Conduct basic market research and competitor scans to identify opportunities for category growth.
• Support category expansion initiatives, product refreshes, and seasonal rollouts.

2. Product & Assortment Management

• Coordinate the listing and delisting of SKUs in alignment with category direction.
• Help review product performance to support decisions on assortment optimization.
• Work with suppliers to gather product details, pricing, and samples for evaluation.
• Monitor availability of key and fast-moving items across stores and channels.

3. Supplier & Vendor Coordination

• Assist in vendor communication and coordination for product listings, promotions, and deals.
• Help prepare documents for negotiations, vendor agreements, and trading terms.
• Follow up with suppliers regarding deliveries, product updates, and promotional support.

4. Pricing & Promotions Support

• Assist in preparing pricing recommendations, competitor pricing checks, and price updates.
• Coordinate promotional calendars, product inclusions, and timelines.
• Work with Marketing for the execution of campaigns and promotional materials.
• Track promotional performance and provide initial analysis.

5. Sales, Inventory & Performance Monitoring

• Monitor category sales, inventory levels, and product movement daily/weekly.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Operations to avoid stockouts or overstocks.
• Assist in managing slow-moving items and implementing strategies for turnover improvement.
• Prepare basic performance reports for Category Manager review.

6. Merchandising & Store Coordination

• Coordinate with the Merchandising or Visual Display teams to ensure proper category visibility.
• Support planogram updates and seasonal merchandising changes.
• Check store compliance during new product launches or seasonal promotions when needed.

7. Reporting & Data Analysis

• Prepare reports on sales performance, promotions, and product movement.
• Consolidate market data and internal analytics to support strategic category decision-making.
• Maintain up-to-date files and documentation for category activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in Category Management, Buying, Merchandising, or related functions in Retail, FMCG, or General Merchandise.
• Experience in Home Essentials, Lifestyle, Seasonal Goods, or GMS categories is an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills; proficiency in MS Excel and reporting tools.
• Good communication and coordination skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple tasks.
• Willing to work onsite in Makati.

45,000 to 65,000 Salary Range