Merchandise Manager - Commercial (Own Brand Non-Food)

• Conducts market research and analysis to identify products that can be developed and adopted as Makro’s Own Brand.

• Feeds back market information, competition information, projects, sales and profit results to line manager and branded team.

• Work with branded team to conduct assortment review and identify Own Brand NPD plan.

• Coordinates with concerned Director, Sr. Buyer and Buyers to identify existing shelf-products that are sellable and can generate desired sales and profits if developed and marketed as Makro’s Own Brand. Identifies suppliers who can co-develop these products.

• Launch new OB items on time and to targeted cost, to achieve Own Brand new launch budget SKUs and sales

• Cooperates and maintains good relationship with suppliers who are reliable in providing OB products. Monitors the performance of Own Brand products, identify route causes of shortfall and plan actions to improve performance

• Check and ensure branded buyer maintains information/ data bank for OB products by encoding in the computerized system all correct articles and suppliers data.

• Ensures that products being developed match or better quality than branded benchmarks and priced lower than the benchmark according to brand positioning.

• Ensures that product quality and efficacy meet Makro and Thai FDA standards and customers’ expectations, if necessary, to obtain certificate.

• Work with branded buyer to produce an effective Makro Mail Program, to achieve sales budget and profit targets. Gives all necessary information and documents (i.e. article, supplier, ordering, promotions) to the stores.

• Makes regular store visits to detect operational problems and follows-up on product quality and presentation. Gives all the necessary information to the Commercial Director and concerned Sr Buyer and Buyers to which the own brand is categorized/ grouped.

• Travel, when necessary (i.e. to visit suppliers and producers).

• Commits to all agreements made with the suppliers (i.e. invoice control arrangements, price differences), all of which are subject to a written contract or confirmation.

• Work with QA team to ensure all new products are tested and pass according to Thai FDA standards, ensure OB quality meet customers’ expectation

• Work with OB Communication and Demonstration team to develop new launch activity in stores to drive sales

• Work with OB Sales Support & Analysis team to identify reasons for shortfall, work with branded team to plan action for recovery. Work with OB sales Support & Analysis team to identify and plan OB loyally program in stores to drive sales

• Performs any other tasks not specified herewith as required / instructed by superior / management.

Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain, Industrial Distribution, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in merchandising, category management, buying, or own-brand/private label development within retail, FMCG, or wholesale businesses.
• Proven experience in Own Brand / Private Label product development, including NPD planning, supplier collaboration, and product launch execution.
• Strong understanding of category management, assortment planning, pricing strategy, and sales & margin optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze market trends, competitor benchmarks, and customer insights to identify commercially viable product opportunities.
• Experience working closely with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal stakeholders (Commercial, QA, Marketing, Sales Support).
• Solid knowledge of product quality standards, Thai FDA regulations, and certification processes; experience coordinating with QA teams is an advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage cost structures, target pricing, and profitability objectives.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering product launches on time and within budget.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, capable of building productive relationships across all levels.
• High level of attention to detail, organizational skills, and data accuracy in system management.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Proficient in MS Office and merchandising or ERP systems; data analysis skills are a plus.
• Good command both of spoken and written English.