Assistant Manager - Buyer (Hardware, Toys, Apparel & Beddings)

Ayala Corporation has formed a joint venture with CP AXTRA, Thailand’s leading wholesale and retail operator, to bring Makro back to the Philippines. The venture aims to introduce a differentiated wholesale format and assortment to the Philippines to address unmet local demand for high-quality, fresh food products.#GrowTogether #MoveForwardTogetherRole OverviewThe Assistant Manager - Merchandising / Buyer sources, purchases, and manages assigned product categories, including Hardware, Toys, Apparel, and Beddings. The role covers product assortment, supplier sourcing, pricing, inventory management, and commercial execution to support sales growth and profitability. As part of a growing start-up retail business, we’re looking for a proactive, analytical buyer who can run buying activities independently and take ownership of their categories.

Key Responsibilities

Source and evaluate new products, suppliers, and market opportunitiesManage assigned categories and ensure an assortment mix that fits customer demand and business objectivesNegotiate pricing, payment terms, rebates, and promotional support with suppliersMonitor market trends, competitor activity, and product performance to support buying decisionsEnsure timely execution of purchasing plans and supplier commitmentsBuild and maintain relationships with local and international suppliers, and develop new supplier partnershipsCoordinate with suppliers on deliveries, product quality, replenishment, and issue resolution, and conduct supplier performance reviewsMonitor inventory levels and sales trends to keep products available while minimizing excess stock, working with Supply Chain and Warehouse teams on planning and replenishmentAnalyze pricing, margins, profitability, sales performance, and inventory turnover, and prepare reports and recommendations to improve category performanceCollaborate with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance on category initiatives and promotional activitiesSupport new product launches, merchandising programs, and store requirements, ensuring proper merchandising standards and product presentation in stores

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or a related fieldMinimum 3 years of experience in buying, merchandising, procurement, category management, or a related commercial functionStrong experience in supplier negotiations, sourcing, and commercial analysisAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting toolsStrong pricing, margin, and profitability analysis skillsProactive, with strong execution, problem-solving, and decision-making abilityAble to work independently, manage multiple priorities and product categories, and thrive in a fast-paced retail environmentStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsExperience in Hardware, Toys, Apparel, Beddings, General Merchandise, or similar categories is an advantage but not requiredCandidates from major retailers, wholesalers, department stores, supermarkets, specialty retailers, or well-structured commercial organizations are encouraged to apply