Senior Merchandiser

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

The Opportunity – Senior Merchandiser

Solent Group is seeking an experienced Senior Merchandiser - you will be well versed in the FMCG industry, ideally with experience in Household/Bags/Stationery products and thrive in a fast-paced role.

You will be working closely with the Senior Buying Manager and traveling quarterly to visit factories and attend overseas exhibitions, so great communication skills are a must! If you also have sourcing experience this would be beneficial.

Flexibility for hours is required for this role which works closely with the UK team.

Key Responsibilities
 

• Manage the overall sales and project management function of the related category to enhance the category performance, support business growth and profitability to the company.
• Exploring innovations and trends for sales team and formulate sales plan for customers.
• Develop and implement supplier strategy to build mutually beneficial business relationship with manufacturing partners
• Manage, develop and motivate the team to achieve the goals and objectives of the Company
• Formulation and implementation of supplier / strategic sourcing strategy to meet the business needs
• Supplier performance management and evaluations to meet company & customers’ expectations
• Supplier relationship building and key suppliers engagement to increasingly deliver added value for ‘win/win’ scenario
• Commercial terms & contract negotiation and cost management
• Identify, drive and execute value optimization / cost saving initiatives, process improvements and operation excellence for maintaining / improving company profitability
• Manage and control the sourcing, product development, project management & risk assessment with strong cross-team links to ensure the services & projects to all business units & customers are effectively delivered

Experience
 

• Minimum 3 years of experience in category management, account management or FMCG with sourcing, product development and project management experience
• Strong product knowledge on household, bags and stationery
• Strong vendor relationship management and understanding of manufacturing regulations
• Acute market, business & financial sense with strong analytical skills
• Strong negotiation & presentation skills
• Excellent communication skills in English & Chinese
• Result oriented, well-planned & organised
• Experience in local or China market sales is a plus