About the job Buying & Merchandizing Manager
Job Title: Buying & Merchandising Manager
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Sector: Retail Industry
Work Structure: Onsite
About the Client
Our client is an impact investment firm with businesses across multiple sectors. The company is committed to creating lasting community impact through strategic partnerships. The firm is now expanding into premium retail- consumer electronics representing a global consumer electronics brand in Nigeria through flagship physical and online stores.
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 : 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. Build SKU and category-level forecasts using sales history, seasonality, marketing campaigns, and store-level trends. 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
Professional certification (APICS CPIM/CSCP, Six Sigma, PMP/PRINCE2)
8+ years in buying, merchandising, or supply chain roles, preferably in premium retail or consumer electronics, FMCG or within Multinational organizations
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
Experience in premium retail, luxury goods, or consumer electronics
Experience with inventory management systems and ERP platforms