Lead Category Manager | Retail | Marks & Spencer | UAE

Job Requisition ID: 168368

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A”rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Overview Of The Role

The position owner is responsible for the Clothing and Home Strategy to drive Sales and Cash Margin and is accountable for achieving the Key Business KPI’s of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost and Closing Stock.

He/she controls Space and OTB Planning and Product Selection for all General Merchandising Business Units.

He/she is responsible for Team Management and Team Development leading all Senior Merchandisers and their teams ensuring high energy and engagement whilst building and maintaining effective Cross-Functional relationships, including those with the Host Brand.

What you will do: -

Description of Accountability:

BUSINESS PLAN AND DELIVERY OF KEY KPI’s

• Formulate Annual Business Plan
• Constantly search for Business Opportunities to increase Sales and
  
  

Cash Margin

• Detailed knowledge of BUs, Markets operated in and Key Competitor performances
• Manage GM WSSI
  
  

SALES AND OTB PLANNING

Lead and manage all Senior Merchandizers towards;

• Plan appropriate Sales, Cash Margin and Space by BU/Department/ Range
• Plan appropriate OTB and Options by BUs
• Plan appropriate e-Commerce Buy
  
  

RANGE DETAIL PLANNING

Define and communicate the strategy and business plan for the Core Template to drive Core Availability ensuring all business units are led by;

• Size Cut Strategy by Department/ Market
• Appropriate Good/ Better/ Best Offer
• Sufficient Volume on Key OPP’S
• Appropriate Colour Balance
• Authoritative Product Statements on Hero Product
  
  

PRODUCT SELECTION

Plan, manage and lead the team for the UK Buying Fairs;

• Clear IBO Strategy
• Confident Product Selection and Range Balancing
• Sign Off every Catalogue
• Opportunity Buys to Support Marketing Strategy
• Spend Control
• Margin Optimization
  
  

TRADE

Guide and lead the Senior Merchandising team to ensure that all trade planning, reporting and communication tools are utilised, deadlines met and Leadership reports are prepared accordingly with the following plan;

• Weekly Team Meeting and Actions
• Weekly Store Communication (GM Action News)
• Define and Manage Allocation Blueprint
• Define and Manage Replenishment Strategy by BU/ Market
• Implement Robust Promotional Calendar
• Implement robust Innovations Communication
• Ensure Opening Price Points well executed and Messaged In-Store
• Effective Markdown Management – controlling Shop in Shop
  
  

Statements but clearing Seasonal Lines

MARKET AWARENESS

Establish market awareness by following competitor performance, trends and actions via leading the team with effective reporting of;

• Conduct Quarterly Comp Shops
• Report on Key Actions to remain Price Competitive
• Report on Key Missed Opportunities
• Conduct Quarterly SWOT with Store Champions
• Engage in Market Visits
  
  

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Build Good Relationships with Finance ensuring the numbers and reports are aligned
• Build good relationships with M&S Operations Team, VM Team and Marketing Team to ensure omni channel trading
• Build good working relationship with UK
  
  

LEADING PEOPLE

• Engage team with relevant Objectives, inclusion in the ‘Bigger Picture’ plus continued Feedback and Development Opportunities
• Provide coaching for development and ensure succession within the team working with HRBP on Talent Management
• Role model Al-Futtaim Way Behaviours and M&S Values
  
  

Required Skills to be successful:

• A Confident Leader
• Able to handle Complexity
• Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Highly Numerate
• Product Confident
• Good Communicator
• Collaborative Style
• Optimistic Attitude
• Works at Pace with an Impatience to get things Done
• Strong track record of People Management
• Cultural Awareness
• Womenswear or Middle East Experience preferred
• Graduate or Graduate Calibre
• Good working knowledge of Excel
• Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage
  
  

What equips you for the role:

• Bachelors Degree with Minimum 10 Years’ in Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Delighting Our Customers
• Collaboration
• Managing Complexity
• Influencing Others
• Taking Initiative
• Drive for Results
• Engaging Leadership
• Developing Talent
  
  

We’re here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.

Before you click “apply”: Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

As part of our candidate experience promise, we also want to make ourselves available to you throughout the application process. We make every effort to review and respond to every application.