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 Arab 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 organization 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
Womenswear or Middle East Experience preferred
Graduate or Graduate Caliber
Good working knowledge of Excel and key Microsoft Applications
Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage
What equips you for the role:
Bachelor Degree (Masters Preferred)
5-6 years’ experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising
Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands
Empathy Customer service and results oriented Leadership and problem solving skills
Good communication skills
Excellent relationship skills
Technical knowledge on products
Accountability
About Al-Futtaim Retail Al-Futtaim Retail has established itself as one of the leaders in Retail across the Middle East, Africa & Asia over the past 30 years. We have developed partnerships with some of the biggest and most respected Brands in the world including IKEA, ACE and Toys R Us in the Middle East and the Inditex Group of Brands (Zara, Mango, Bershka and P&B) across Asia. We are also one of the largest Global partners of Marks and Spencer’s in both regions with over 75 stores offering both fashion & food options.
Most recently we have been responsible for bringing brands to the Middle East for the first time with the exciting launches of Watsons and B&Q and we aim to continue to be agile and adaptive to our markets with new launches and further development. For this to be possible we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds who will continue to challenge and develop our diverse workforce which includes over 100 nationalities across 12 countries. Join us today and make a difference…
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