Sr. Merchandiser - Kids wear (Buying) | Retail | M&S | UAE

Job Requisition ID: 173266

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

Senior Merchandiser is responsible for driving Sales and Cash Margin of the BU and is accountable for achieving the Key Business KPI’s of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost and Closing Stock. He/she manages Space and OTB Planning plus Product Selection, is responsible for Direct report Management and supporting the Lead Category Manager with Team Development. He/she will develop cross-functional relationships and run the day to day communication with the Principal Brand.

What you will do: -

Description of Accountability:

BUSINESS PLAN AND DELIVERY OF KEY KPI’s

• Conduct PIR and analyse sales to develop Annual Business Plan
• Support Lead Category Manager in Developing BU Strategy
• Identify Business Opportunities to increase Sales and Margin
  
  

Cash Margin

• Detailed knowledge of BU, Markets operated in and Key Competitors
• Manage BU WSSI
  
  

SALES AND OTB PLANNING

• Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Range, Category and Line
• Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Store and Region
• Plan appropriate Space for each Department/ Range in each Store
• Plan appropriate OTB and Options by T Department/ Range
• Cut OTB: Core v Fashion
• Plan appropriate e-Commerce Buy
  
  

RANGE DETAIL PLANNING

• Management of Core Template to drive Core Availability
• Size Cut Strategy by Department/ Market
• Appropriate Good/ Better/ Best Offer through price analysis
• Sufficient Volume on Key OPP’S
• Appropriate Colour Balance through robust analysis and action
• Authoritative Product Statements on Hero Product
  
  

PRODUCT SELECTION

• Detailed Preparation for UK Buying Fairs
• Appropriate and timely liaison with UK
• Clear IBO Strategy
• Confident Product Selection and Range Balancing
• Sign Off every Catalogue and continuous review with Trading
• Opportunity Buys to Support Marketing Strategy
• Spend Control
• Margin Optimization
  
  

TRADE

• Weekly Team Meeting and Actions
• Weekly Store Communication (GM Action News)
• Define and Manage Allocation Blueprint
• Define and Manage Replenishment Strategy by Type of Product/ Market
• Implement Robust Promotional Calendar
• Ensure Opening Price Points well executed and Messaged In-Store
• Effective Markdown Management
  
  

MARKET AWARENESS

• Conduct Seasonal Comp Shops
• Report on Key Actions to remain Price Competitive
• Report on Key Missed Opportunities
• Actively champion agreed stores and organise SWOT and visit programme
• Engage in Market Visits
• Understand and engage with swiftly changing market conditions
• Embrace Digital transition with clear understanding of Customer journey
  
  

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Build Good Relationships with Merchandising Colleagues within M&S
• Build strong relationships with M&S Operations Team, VM Team and Marketing Team
• Build solid working relationships with UK
  
  

LEADING PEOPLE

• Work to SMART Objectives, understand Strategic direction of travel and communicate tirelessly
• 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:

• Passion and product knowledge and love of M&S brand and heritage
• A Confident Manager
• 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
• Kids wear with Middle East Experience preferred
• Good working knowledge of Excel and key Microsoft Applications
• Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage
  
  

What equips you for the role:

• Bachelor’s degree in commerce or equivalent
• Minimum 8 Years’ Experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Education to Degree level or equivalent
• Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands
  
  

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.