Senior Merchandise Planning and Category Developement Manager  

We are looking for a Senior MPCD Manager to lead the Merchandise Planning and Category Development (MPCD) team in developing and executing category strategies that drive sales, profitability, inventory productivity, and business growth. This is an onsite position at Armal Compound 2, M. Eusebio Avenue, San Miguel, Pasig City. You will report directly to the President and work closely with the Division Manager – Retail and Franchise.

Key responsibilities

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop the MPCD Team to achieve departmental and organisational objectives.
• Plan, delegate, monitor, and manage performance to ensure timely completion of departmental deliverables.
• Review and validate category analyses, business recommendations, action plans, and performance reports before endorsement to Management.
• Develop the analytical, commercial, and decision-making capabilities of Category Analysts through continuous coaching and capability-building initiatives.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the department.

Assortment Planning, Budgeting and Allocation

• Oversee data-driven assortment, pricing, quantity, and store allocation strategies aligned with approved sales, inventory, purchasing, and financial budgets.
• Review and approve category budget allocation recommendations based on demand forecasts, inventory productivity, and profitability targets.
• Ensure merchandise planning decisions are supported by market analysis, sales trends, and customer demand.
• Establish and maintain consistent merchandise planning methodologies and standards across merchandise categories.

Promotions and Markdown Management

• Identify slow-moving inventory and implement promotional or markdown strategies that optimise inventory performance while protecting margins.
• Review and approve major promotional and markdown recommendations based on commercial impact profitability
• Monitor the effectiveness of promotional and markdown initiatives and recommends corrective actions to improve business performance
• Ensures promotional activities are aligned with overall merchandising and financial objectives.

Inventory Replenishment Management

• Monitor stock availability, sell-through rates, stock-outs, inventory turnover, overstock, and inventory turnover.
• Review and approve replenishment plans and inventory transfer recommendations to maintain optimal stock availability.
• Monitors inventory risks and implements appropriate corrective measures to minimize overstock, stock shortages, and aging inventories.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Retail Operations to support efficient inventory planning and replenishment.

Performance Management and Business Analysis

• Establish and monitor departmental key performance indicators and operational targets.
• Review category and collection performance against approved sales plans, inventory objectives, and profitability targets.
• Analyse business performance, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and operational improvements.
• Incorporate lessons learned and business insights into future merchandise planning and category strategies.
• Prepare and present strategic business recommendations, performance reports, and action plans to Senior Management.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• A master’s degree is an advantage.

Experience

• At least 8–10 years of progressive experience in Merchandise Planning, Category Management, Retail Merchandising, or a related function.
• At least 3–5 years of managerial experience.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent analytical, financial, commercial planning, communication, presentation, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and retail planning systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and Senior Management.
• Strong understanding of fashion, fit, fabric colours, sizes, and pricing to ensure orders are based on demand.