Administer > Overview of administering a WebSphere Commerce site > Organization Administration Console > Roles
Product management and merchandising roles
The following product management and merchandising roles are supported by WebSphere Commerce: Product Manager (this role may also be referred to as a merchandising manager), Category Manager, Buyer (seller side).
The following table describes each role and the business model each role can work within.
The Demand chain, Supply chain and Extended sites business models do not provide the Product Manager role. For these business models use the Category Manager role instead.
Role Description Business model Product Manager The Product Manager traces customer purchases, suggests promotions, and determines the best way to display, price, and sell products in the online store. Consumer direct
B2B directCategory Manager The Category Manager manages the financial success of a category of products. The Category Manager also manages the category hierarchy by creating, modifying, and deleting categories. The category hierarchy organizes products or services offered by the store. The Category Manager manages products, expected inventory records, vendor information, inventory, and return reasons. Consumer direct
B2B direct
Demand chain
Extended sites
Supply chainBuyer (seller side) The Buyer buys merchandise for sale. The buyer handles relations with vendors or suppliers and negotiates to obtain the products with favorable terms for such things as delivery and payment options. The buyer may set prices. Inventory is managed by the buyer in order to determine the quantities to buy and ensure that stock is properly replenished. Consumer direct
B2B direct
Related concepts
Operational roles
Organizational management roles
Business relationship roles
Marketing roles
Workspaces roles
Technical operations roles
Customer service roles
Supplemental roles