Job Description

Senior Merchandiser - Marks & Spencer Division - Al Futtaim Group - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
Al Futtaim Group is seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Merchandiser to manage product planning, sales performance, and inventory strategy for its Marks & Spencer division. The role is responsible for driving sales growth, optimizing cash margins, and ensuring the right product mix across stores and online channels. The ideal candidate will possess strong commercial acumen, leadership ability, and deep knowledge of fashion retail merchandising in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Retail
Function: Merchandising / Buying
Salary: 18000-24000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver annual business plans and budgets in collaboration with the Lead Category Manager.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews and analyze sales to identify business opportunities and improve performance.
• Plan and manage sales, cash margins, stock levels, markdowns, and space allocation across product categories and stores.
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning, range building, and product assortment strategies.
• Oversee product selection, pricing structure, and range balance across core and fashion lines.
• Coordinate with UK buying teams for seasonal collections, catalog sign-offs, and opportunity buys.
• Monitor promotional calendars, opening price points, and in-store merchandising execution.
• Lead weekly trading meetings and ensure actionable follow-up on store performance.
• Conduct market visits and competitive analysis to maintain price competitiveness and product relevance.
• Engage closely with cross-functional teams including operations, marketing, visual merchandising, and supply chain.
• Manage and mentor a team of merchandisers, providing coaching, development, and succession planning.
• Ensure alignment with Al Futtaim and Marks & Spencer values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and excellence.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in commerce, retail management, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of fashion buying or merchandising experience, ideally with UK or European brands.
• Proven experience managing merchandising for multiple categories or large retail operations.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
• High proficiency in Excel and MS Office; SAP knowledge is a plus.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with a collaborative work style.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in a multinational environment.
• Experience in kidswear and Middle East retail markets preferred.

Skills Set

• Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Sales and Margin Optimization
• OTB and Range Planning
• Product Selection and Pricing Strategy
• Market Analysis and Trend Identification
• People Management and Team Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Retail Systems (SAP, Excel)

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work with one of the region's most prestigious retail groups.
• Exposure to international fashion brands under the Marks & Spencer partnership.
• Career growth within a diversified conglomerate spanning multiple industries.
• Inclusive, values-driven culture promoting excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

About the Company
Al Futtaim Group, established in the 1930s, is one of the most diversified privately held business conglomerates in the Middle East. Headquartered in Dubai, the group operates across automotive, retail, real estate, finance, and healthcare sectors, employing more than 35,000 people across 20 countries. Representing over 200 of the world's most admired brands, Al Futtaim is known for its customer-centric approach, innovation, and commitment to sustainable growth across its regional and international markets.
Job Title Senior Merchandiser - Marks & Spencer Division - Al Futtaim Group - Dubai, UAE
Senior Merchandiser - Marks & Spencer Division - Al Futtaim Group - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
Al Futtaim Group is seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Merchandiser to manage product planning, sales performance, and inventory strategy for its Marks & Spencer division. The role is responsible for driving sales growth, optimizing cash margins, and ensuring the right product mix across stores and online channels. The ideal candidate will possess strong commercial acumen, leadership ability, and deep knowledge of fashion retail merchandising in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Retail
Function: Merchandising / Buying
Salary: 18000-24000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver annual business plans and budgets in collaboration with the Lead Category Manager.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews and analyze sales to identify business opportunities and improve performance.
• Plan and manage sales, cash margins, stock levels, markdowns, and space allocation across product categories and stores.
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning, range building, and product assortment strategies.
• Oversee product selection, pricing structure, and range balance across core and fashion lines.
• Coordinate with UK buying teams for seasonal collections, catalog sign-offs, and opportunity buys.
• Monitor promotional calendars, opening price points, and in-store merchandising execution.
• Lead weekly trading meetings and ensure actionable follow-up on store performance.
• Conduct market visits and competitive analysis to maintain price competitiveness and product relevance.
• Engage closely with cross-functional teams including operations, marketing, visual merchandising, and supply chain.
• Manage and mentor a team of merchandisers, providing coaching, development, and succession planning.
• Ensure alignment with Al Futtaim and Marks & Spencer values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and excellence.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree in commerce, retail management, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of fashion buying or merchandising experience, ideally with UK or European brands.
• Proven experience managing merchandising for multiple categories or large retail operations.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
• High proficiency in Excel and MS Office; SAP knowledge is a plus.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with a collaborative work style.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in a multinational environment.
• Experience in kidswear and Middle East retail markets preferred.

Skills Set

• Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Sales and Margin Optimization
• OTB and Range Planning
• Product Selection and Pricing Strategy
• Market Analysis and Trend Identification
• People Management and Team Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Retail Systems (SAP, Excel)

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work with one of the region's most prestigious retail groups.
• Exposure to international fashion brands under the Marks & Spencer partnership.
• Career growth within a diversified conglomerate spanning multiple industries.
• Inclusive, values-driven culture promoting excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

About the Company
Al Futtaim Group, established in the 1930s, is one of the most diversified privately held business conglomerates in the Middle East. Headquartered in Dubai, the group operates across automotive, retail, real estate, finance, and healthcare sectors, employing more than 35,000 people across 20 countries. Representing over 200 of the world's most admired brands, Al Futtaim is known for its customer-centric approach, innovation, and commitment to sustainable growth across its regional and international markets.
Post Details
Job Start Date
Salary from 18000.00
Salary to 24000.00
Number of Vacancies 1
Location -
Location City Dubai
Desired Candidate's Profile
Gender No Preference
Nationality
Candidate Current Location

Skills Required