Job Description

Food Buyer - Al-Futtaim Retail - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
The Food Buyer role in Dubai supports Al-Futtaim Retail by managing the sourcing and supply of food products across MENA stores and cafes. This position focuses on category planning, margin delivery, stock availability, and collaboration with regional and UK teams to align with Marks and Spencer strategy, sustainability goals, and commercial performance targets.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Retail
Function: Purchasing
Salary: 18000-25000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Plan, forecast, and order assigned food categories to ensure consistent availability across stores and cafes
• Ensure all products meet Marks and Spencer and country-specific quality standards
• Deliver KPIs related to sales growth, margin targets, wastage control, and market share
• Maintain optimal stock levels, catalogue count, and range performance trends
• Research market conditions, analyze pricing, and review competitors to identify commercial opportunities
• Develop and execute annual category plans covering promotions, seasonal events, and new product launches
• Lead category reviews, benchmarking exercises, and range optimization initiatives
• Coordinate with Digital teams to maintain online catalogue accuracy and stock availability
• Supervise Category Assistants and liaise with UK teams to manage inbound shipments and avoid shortages
• Work closely with Marketing, Food Operations, Stores, and Logistics to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce lead times
• Build strong relationships across MENA operations and UK counterparts to support shared objectives
• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and development planning for team members

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related discipline
• Minimum 5 years of experience in food buying within FMCG or large retail environments
• Strong understanding of food technical standards and supply chain operations
• Proven ability to analyze financial, market, and customer data to drive decisions
• Results-driven leader with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities across regions

Skills Set

• Food category management and buying
• Commercial and financial analysis
• Contract negotiation and supplier management
• Stock planning and wastage control
• SAP and Microsoft Office proficiency
• Leadership, communication, and team development

Why Join Us

• Competitive compensation aligned with Al-Futtaim Retail standards
• Opportunity to work with leading international retail brands across food and lifestyle categories
• Regional exposure across MENA markets with collaboration with UK teams
• Supportive, diverse, and performance-driven work environment
• Long-term career development within a growing retail organization

About the Company
Al-Futtaim Retail is a leading retail operator across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, representing globally recognized brands including Marks and Spencer, IKEA, ACE, and Inditex brands. With decades of regional experience and a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer experience, Al-Futtaim Retail continues to expand its footprint while offering professionals diverse career opportunities across international markets.
Job Title Food Buyer - Al-Futtaim Retail - Dubai, UAE
Food Buyer - Al-Futtaim Retail - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
The Food Buyer role in Dubai supports Al-Futtaim Retail by managing the sourcing and supply of food products across MENA stores and cafes. This position focuses on category planning, margin delivery, stock availability, and collaboration with regional and UK teams to align with Marks and Spencer strategy, sustainability goals, and commercial performance targets.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Retail
Function: Purchasing
Salary: 18000-25000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Plan, forecast, and order assigned food categories to ensure consistent availability across stores and cafes
• Ensure all products meet Marks and Spencer and country-specific quality standards
• Deliver KPIs related to sales growth, margin targets, wastage control, and market share
• Maintain optimal stock levels, catalogue count, and range performance trends
• Research market conditions, analyze pricing, and review competitors to identify commercial opportunities
• Develop and execute annual category plans covering promotions, seasonal events, and new product launches
• Lead category reviews, benchmarking exercises, and range optimization initiatives
• Coordinate with Digital teams to maintain online catalogue accuracy and stock availability
• Supervise Category Assistants and liaise with UK teams to manage inbound shipments and avoid shortages
• Work closely with Marketing, Food Operations, Stores, and Logistics to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce lead times
• Build strong relationships across MENA operations and UK counterparts to support shared objectives
• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and development planning for team members

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related discipline
• Minimum 5 years of experience in food buying within FMCG or large retail environments
• Strong understanding of food technical standards and supply chain operations
• Proven ability to analyze financial, market, and customer data to drive decisions
• Results-driven leader with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities across regions

Skills Set

• Food category management and buying
• Commercial and financial analysis
• Contract negotiation and supplier management
• Stock planning and wastage control
• SAP and Microsoft Office proficiency
• Leadership, communication, and team development

Why Join Us

• Competitive compensation aligned with Al-Futtaim Retail standards
• Opportunity to work with leading international retail brands across food and lifestyle categories
• Regional exposure across MENA markets with collaboration with UK teams
• Supportive, diverse, and performance-driven work environment
• Long-term career development within a growing retail organization

About the Company
Al-Futtaim Retail is a leading retail operator across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, representing globally recognized brands including Marks and Spencer, IKEA, ACE, and Inditex brands. With decades of regional experience and a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer experience, Al-Futtaim Retail continues to expand its footprint while offering professionals diverse career opportunities across international markets.
Post Details
Job Start Date
Salary from 18000.00
Salary to 25000.00
Number of Vacancies 1
Location -
Location City Dubai
Desired Candidate's Profile
Gender No Preference
Nationality
Candidate Current Location

Skills Required