:

As a Retail Buying Director, you will be responsible to ensure a structured buying process is in place in order to deliver engaging, compelling and world class product ranges across our leisure portfolio.

To provide guidance and strategic direction for all park retail purchases within Miral Experiences business units.

Responsible for assessing the product assortment, inventory levels and supplier base.

To define, set and manage operational budgets including open-to-buy cost of goods, freight and GP margins across each of the business units and deliver these against expectations.

To liaise with external and internal partners including the leadership team within the operating groups.

Your job role will also include:

• To lead and manage a team of retail buyers in the delivery of engaging, compelling and world class product ranges across our leisure portfolio.
• To ensure a robust process to manage category and range planning is embedded and followed. In order to ensure the optimal stock vs. sales mix by location
• To define and maintain the product hierarchy thus ensuring effective reporting and categorization
• To ensure buy quantities and stock levels are in line with expectations and the agreed open to buy budgets.
• To estimate and anticipate future buying needs of the company
• To Identify customer preferences and forecast consumer trends
• To discover and purchase new products, ensuring our product assortment is both innovative and first to market.
• To check the quality and popularity of items already within our assortment and make recommendations as necessary.
• To source, develop and purchase the right products as per the requirements of the company and in line with seasonal visitor volumes.
• To attend trade shows, events, fairs and exhibitions in order to remain up to date with market trends.
• To develop and introduce new bespoke merchandise to cater for the strategic business model of the BU\'s.
• To continuously monitor market demand and supply and monitor stock levels. Ensure all buying plans are within budget
• To create reports on sales, budgets and customer satisfaction. Use business insight to adjust the buying strategy as appropriate. Ensure pricing strategies are implemented.
• To work in partnership with other shared service functions in order to evaluate supplier options, prices, quality etc.
• To negotiate trading agreements in order to achieve the best terms for the company
• To forge and maintain trust relationships with suppliers to promote fair dealing.
• To ensure a robust follow up of the buying critical path is delivered and there is a process in place to update the buying status of all product ranges.
• To check and verify all the required specifications of purchased products through a robust test, audit and compliance process.
• To ensure a process is in place to manage terminal lines and aged inventory
• To work in collaboration with relevant IP holders and partners
• To monitor business performance and partner with Operations to adjust plan as needed to meet objectives
• To actively demonstrate a strong personal commitment to the business vision. To shows an entrepreneurial mindset that helps the organization evolve, innovate, and remain as leading edge and effective as possible.
• To conduct colleague performance appraisals in a timely, fair and constructive manner in order to promote their personal and career growth.
• To Perform other reasonable duties as requested by senior management.

To be considered for this role, you will need to have:

• Higher secondary or equivalent theme park management experience
• Minimum of 10 years buying experience, 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in sourcing, developing and delivering product that not only meets the company\'s requirements, but also maintains brand standards to the IP owner.
• Possess a fundamental understanding of retail theories and standards, product design and packaging, product sourcing and delivery, contract negotiation, product inventory control, product display, and product pricing and sales
• Proficiency in writing, speaking, and understanding the English language
• Ability to monitor and identify problems proactively. Understanding of how best to utilize all resources available to quickly and effectively solve problems as they occur and with a strong sense of urgency.
• Stays current on new retail trends, technologies, and processes emerging in the industry and proactively works to develop new products and services that will improve profits through increased operational efficiency and/or improved guest satisfaction
• Negotiation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Multitasking skills - Ability to work in a fast paced, fun, and busy environment managing multiple deadlines
• Knowledge on department budgeting, P&L, and open-to-buy development
• Knowledge and understanding of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, POS systems, retail inventory control and finance software
• Adaptability, comfortable with change in a fast-paced environment

Farah Experiences