Assistant Buyer

SOHO Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

SOHO Group is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support buying and assortment planning for the brand, ensuring products meet customer demand and business objectives. You will work with Merchandising, Retail, Marketing, and Logistics to align launches, deliveries, and product information.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and passionate about retail, fashion, and consumer trends. 2–4 years in buying/merchandising is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Fashion Management, Retail Management, Merchandising, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in a buying, merchandising, allocation, or retail analysis role.
• Experience within fashion, lifestyle, sportswear, or premium retail is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing seasonal assortments aligned with business objectives, customer demand, and brand strategy.
• Prepare range plans, assortment summaries, line sheets, and buying presentations.
• Monitor weekly sales performance, stock levels, sell-through rates, and product productivity.
• Support in-season trading decisions and reorders, markdown proposals, and inventory optimization.
• Coordinate with brand partners, logistics teams, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure on-time deliveries.
• Maintain accurate product data and provide information for training sessions and product knowledge initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Detail oriented

Strong communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Admin / Fashion / Retail

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Retail reporting tools

Job description

The Assistant Buyer plays a key role in supporting the Buying function by contributing to the development and execution of commercially successful assortments aligned with the brand strategy, customer needs, and business objectives. This role supports the Buyer throughout the product lifecycle, from assortment planning and analysis to product launches and in-season trading. The Assistant Buyer works closely with Merchandising, Retail, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Logistics, and Brand partners to ensure the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, commercially minded, and passionate about retail, fashion, and consumer trends.

Responsibilities:

1. Buying & Assortment Planning

• Support the Buyer in developing seasonal assortments aligned with business objectives, customer demand, and brand strategy.
• Assist in reviewing product selections based on sales performance, market trends, and customer insights.
• Prepare range plans, assortment summaries, line sheets, and buying presentations.
• Maintain accurate product information, including pricing, quantities, product attributes, and delivery schedules.
• Support assortment reviews and buying meetings with internal stakeholders and brand partners.

2. Trading & Performance Analysis

• Monitor weekly sales performance, stock levels, sell-through rates, and product productivity.
• Analyze best sellers, slow movers, and emerging trends across categories.
• Provide recommendations to support in-season trading decisions.
• Support reorders, product swaps, markdown proposals, and inventory optimization initiatives.
• Assist in evaluating product performance against sales plans and forecasts.

3. Product Launches & Critical Path Management

• Manage and monitor the critical path to ensure products are delivered on time and according to plan.
• Coordinate with brand partners, logistics teams, suppliers, and internal departments to resolve delivery issues and delays.
• Ensure all product launches, seasonal deliveries, and key campaigns are executed successfully.
• Maintain accurate records and timelines throughout the buying cycle.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Merchandising, Allocation, Retail, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, and Logistics teams to ensure alignment across business functions.
• Support store teams with product information, key launches, and assortment updates when required.
• Coordinate with Visual Merchandising teams to ensure product priorities are reflected in store presentations.
• Assist in preparing information required for training sessions and product knowledge initiatives.
• Monitor competitor activity, industry trends, and customer behavior.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities, emerging trends, and product gaps.
• Share insights and recommendations to support future assortment planning and buying strategies.
• Maintain awareness of the activewear, wellness, and lifestyle retail landscape.

6. Systems & Administration

• Ensure buying systems, ERP platforms, and reporting tools are maintained accurately.
• Manage product data and maintain consistency across all relevant systems.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and presentations required by the Buying team.
• Maintain organized records and documentation related to assortments, orders, and supplier communications.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Fashion Management, Retail Management, Merchandising, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in a buying, merchandising, allocation, or retail analysis role.
• Experience within fashion, lifestyle, sportswear, or premium retail is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and retail reporting tools is preferred.
• Ability to interpret sales data and translate insights into commercial actions.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of retail performance drivers.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, solution-oriented, and eager to learn.
• Passion for retail, product, and consumer trends.