Division Merchandise Manager

We are looking for a Division Merchandise Manager to establish, lead & direct the buying function for all categories of merchandise for strategic sourcing & buying at optimum cost, quality and availability which meets customer needs thereby maximizing profits and providing a commercially viable range of merchandise

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities

• Formulate suitable buying strategy, approach and plan in consonance with Brand‘s and Al Tayer Group‘s broad guidelines. Direct and manage various functional aspects of vendor sourcing/ development, contract negotiation, purchasing, supply chain and warehouse to ensure optimum efficiency & performance of the function.




• Contribute to development of annual business plans, associated budgets and buying strategies, monitor performance against this, initiating corrective action where necessary to ensure operations are conducted within the agreed financial parameters and targets are achieved.




• Plan and monitor the selection of range, type, quantity and quality of merchandise according to customer demand, trends, store policies and set prices & sell through targets in line with the budgets.




• Develop and maintain profitable relationships with existing suppliers; meet and negotiate terms of contract (prices, discounts, credit terms) and monitor adherence to the contracts ensuring availability of right merchandise at right time.

Functional Responsibilities

• Analyze trends, review performance indicators with the GMM/GMs, liaise with stores to ensure supply meets demand, source new products and review existing ones to ensure products remain competitive.




• Ensure appropriate policies and procedures are in place to cover key areas of buying activity and effective systems are in place for monitoring compliance with all procedures.




• Manage and control the buying process and ensure optimum merchandising, timely deliveries, and high sales through.




• Manage and control in conjunction with the GMM/GMs all aspects of stock to achieve reduced lost sales, improved buying and balanced product mix through careful/ rigorous buying.




• Attend trade fairs, support in the successful implementation of all promotional activities, receive and analyze reports, sales figures and forecast trends providing inputs to the GM when required.




• Guide and motivate subordinates to enhance performance and produce quality work, and ensure that they are continuously developed for higher level roles.

People Development

• Prepare performance evaluation and appraisal reports of direct reports to assess subordinates productivity and progress and identify training needs of team members to improve efficiency and ensure conformity with standard procedures and practices

Job Skills

Education

• University Degree in any discipline followed by qualification in Retailing or Retail Management/ Purchase/ Sales or related programs

Experience

• A proven track record in the field of Buying & Retailing. Good knowledge and experience in the (related) industry through work experience with international principals

Functional Skills

• Excellent people management, planning, financial, communication and interpersonal skills. Proficient English (Arabic preferred). Keen to travel & develop network of professional & business relationships.




• Buying experience and expertise typically gained over a period of at least 8-10 years