Merchandising/Category Manager, International Sourcing (FMCG)

About the role

We have partnered with one of the leading retail groups in Singapore with a strong presence across multiple store formats islandwide. With a portfolio of well-established brands, the business continues to grow and adapt, serving diverse customer segments though its network of over 50 outlets. Job Summary The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the growth and performance of assigned product categories through a structured category management approach. This role focuses on enhancing financial results, strengthening customer appeal, improving market competitiveness, and optimising overall category productivity. This role is based in Tampines North .

Responsibilities

• International Sourcing
• Develop and execute international sourcing strategies in collaboration with the Commercial team to support category growth, margin improvement and range objectives.
• Drive end-to-end margin improvement by increasing direct import penetration in identified strategic categories through sourcing optimisation, improved commercial terms and reduced reliance on intermediaries.
• Establish, expand and manage a robust network of overseas suppliers, manufacturers, consolidators and trading partners to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness and scalability.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard overseas suppliers and products through structured due diligence processes, ensuring alignment with category strategies, market demand, quality standards, food safety, ethical sourcing and regulatory requirements.
• Lead end-to-end supplier negotiations covering pricing structures, commercial terms, minimum order quantities (MOQs), lead times, production capacity, service levels and supply continuity commitments, with a focus on optimising total landed cost and mitigating supply risk.
• Monitor and analyse global and regional FMCG trends, consumer demand shifts and competitor sourcing activity to identify sourcing opportunities that support range innovation, differentiation and long-term category growth.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with overseas suppliers and sourcing partners, ensuring effective communication, performance management, issue resolution and continuous improvement across cost, quality and service delivery.
• Propose, plan and attend relevant overseas trade fairs (e.g. Thaifex, Anuga, SIAL) to identify new sourcing opportunities, evaluate emerging trends and support category range development initiatives.
• Demand & Supply Planning
• Develop and maintain accurate, data-driven demand forecasts and supply plans for all imported ranges, incorporating historical sales performance, promotional calendars, seasonal patterns, market intelligence and agreed category plans.
• Perform end-to-end order cycle management for inventory, including coordination with suppliers and distribution centres to ensure timely delivery of goods to island-wide stores.
• Translate category strategies, promotions and festive programmes into clear, executable supply and replenishment plans.
• Maintain close awareness of market and supply conditions (e.g. supply constraints, raw material shortages, production issues, geopolitical or logistics disruptions) that may impact product availability or lead times.
• Partner with overseas suppliers to validate production capacity, stock availability, lead times and shipment schedules, and proactively flag supply risks with recommended mitigation or alternative sourcing plans.
• Optimise inventory levels by balancing service level targets, shelf-life constraints, MOQs, lead times and working capital considerations, ensuring healthy inventory turns.
• Proactively monitor store-level on-shelf availability and identify root causes of out-of-stock (OOS) situations; develop and implement corrective actions to reduce OOS duration and recurrence.
• Actively manage inventory health, including excess, slow-moving and discontinued imported SKUs, and define exit strategies timely in collaboration with Commercial teams.
• Import Operations & Compliance
• Own end-to-end import planning and execution, from purchase order placement through shipment coordination, customs clearance and delivery to distribution centres.
• Coordinate with overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, shipping lines and distribution centres to plan, track and optimise shipment schedules, ensuring on-time arrival and efficient inbound handling.
• Track and manage all import shipments end-to-end, providing clear visibility on shipment status, delays, variances and exceptions, and proactively escalating issues with corrective actions.
• Oversee the preparation, submission and maintenance of import licences, permits and regulatory documentation, ensuring audit readiness and adherence to internal governance standards.
• Govern import-related costs, including freight, duties, demurrage and detention (D&D), and work closely with Distribution Centres to minimise total landed and handling costs.
• Ensure timely pa

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