Job Title:  Buying & Merchandising Manager

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Sector: Retail Industry

Work Structure: Onsite

About the Client

Our client is a leading Africa-focused retail organization dedicated to delivering premium shopping experiences through globally recognized lifestyle and fashion brands.

With a strong commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and commercial growth, the company combines international retail standards with deep local market expertise to drive sustainable business expansion across multiple channels, including physical retail, wholesale, and e-commerce.

About the Job

You are the commercial engine behind inventory precision, translating demand signals and brand priorities into the right stock, at the right time, in the right quantities. The role safeguards sales by preventing stockouts, protects cash by controlling excess inventory, and drives profitability through accurate demand forecasting, efficient inventory turns, and strong supplier partnerships.

Outcomes You Are Responsible For

• Accurate demand forecasting and inventory availability across stores and online
• Zero stockouts for high-demand SKUs and minimal lost sales
• Optimised working capital and inventory turns with reduced excess stock
• Strong supplier relationships and improved procurement terms
• Data-driven assortment decisions that maximize profitability and customer satisfaction
• High inventory accuracy (98%) across stores and e-commerce.

Principal Duties / Responsibilities

• Demand Planning & Forecasting: Build SKU and category-level forecasts using sales history, seasonality, marketing campaigns, and store-level trends. Align inventory plans with marketing calendars, product launches, and demand spikes. Continuously recalibrate forecasting models based on actual sales vs plan
• Procurement & Supplier Management: Own procurement relationship with value-added distributors and OEM suppliers. Negotiate commercial terms, manage delivery schedules, and ensure compliance with brand policies. Track supplier performance through scorecards and drive improvements
• Inventory Management & Working Capital Optimization: Ensure inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and variance resolution. Manage stock levels by SKU and location using min/max, reorder points, and safety stock. Reduce slow-moving and obsolete inventory through clearance, bundling, and supplier returns
• Product Assortment & Merchandising Strategy: Analyse SKU performance to drive rationalisation, new introductions, and range optimisation. Collaborate with Marketing and Finance on pricing, promotions, and inventory readiness. Define product assortment strategy aligned to brand priorities and market demand

Job Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Operations Management, Economics/Finance, Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years in buying, merchandising, or supply chain roles, preferably in premium retail or consumer goods environment.
• Proven track record in demand planning, inventory optimization, and supplier management
• Strong experience in multi-channel retail (stores + e-commerce)
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to build forecasting models
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities
• Experience managing inventory accuracy and working capital in high-growth environments
• Professional certification (APICS CPIM/CSCP, Six Sigma, PMP/PRINCE2)
• Experience in premium retail, luxury goods, or consumer goods
• Experience with inventory management systems and ERP platforms