Merchandising Manager - Bath Accessory

We are seeking an experienced Merchandising Manager to lead our bathroom fixtures and materials category in the retail construction and home improvement sector. This role will be responsible for driving the performance, profitability, and market share of the bathroom product line, including fixtures, faucets, showers, and related accessories. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in merchandising, a deep understanding of the construction material industry, and the ability to manage product life cycles from selection to sales.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Selection & Sourcing:

   • Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive products to determine the best bathroom fixture products for the market.
   • Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to source quality products at competitive prices.
   • Develop strong vendor relationships to ensure timely product availability, negotiate favorable terms, and maintain effective supply chain operations.
   • Manage product assortment, ensuring it aligns with customer demands, seasonal trends, and business objectives.

2. Category Management:

   • Oversee the full lifecycle of bathroom fixture products, from planning and selection to product launch and discontinuation.
   • Develop and implement category strategies to drive growth and profitability.
   • Monitor and analyze product performance, sales, and market share to adjust strategies as needed.
   • Conduct market research and competitive analysis to stay ahead of industry trends.

3. Inventory Management:

   • Collaborate with the supply chain and inventory teams to optimize stock levels, minimize out-of-stocks, and reduce excess inventory.
   • Implement inventory control strategies to improve turnover rates and reduce holding costs.

4. Pricing & Promotions:

   • Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and profitability, factoring in market conditions and customer expectations.
   • Plan and execute promotional campaigns to boost sales, including seasonal offers and special discounts.

5. Vendor & Supplier Negotiations:

   • Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to ensure the best value for the company.
   • Foster strong relationships with key vendors to secure exclusive products, promotions, and early access to new product lines.

6. Visual Merchandising & Store Layout:

   • Work with store teams to ensure effective product displays and layout designs that enhance the customer shopping experience.
   • Collaborate with marketing and store operations teams to create eye-catching displays that drive sales and highlight key product features.

7. Sales Collaboration:

   • Partner with sales teams to provide product training, promotions, and support to ensure in-store and online success.
   • Gather feedback from stores and customers to refine product selection and adjust strategies as needed.

8. Reporting & Analysis:

   • Generate regular performance reports, including sales data, inventory levels, and profitability metrics for the category.
   • Use data analytics to forecast demand, track product performance, and identify growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, merchandising, supply chain, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising or category management, preferably in the construction materials or home improvement industry.
• Proven experience managing a category of products, preferably in bathroom fixtures or related building materials.
• Strong negotiation skills with vendors and suppliers.
• Excellent analytical skills with a focus on data-driven decision making.
• Knowledge of market trends and consumer behavior in the construction and home improvement sector.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in merchandising software and tools, including ERP systems, inventory management tools, and retail analytics platforms.
• Strong communication, leadership, and team-building skills.