Assistant Buyer – Upholstery

Careers International; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Careers International seeks an experienced buying professional to drive upholstery product sourcing and range development. You will collaborate with suppliers and the Category Buyer to identify products that meet customer demands and sales forecasts.

The role requires strong negotiation, vendor management, and analytical skills, with experience in local and international markets. Proficiency in MS Excel is essential to manage data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in buying or category management for upholstery or home furniture.
• Experience in local and international markets is a plus.
• High attention to detail with ability to multitask and prioritise.
• Strong negotiation skills with proven vendor management experience.
• Strong proficiency in MS Excel and other relevant software.
• Analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Develop product ranges that cater to customer segments and align with sales forecasts.
• Collaborate with the Category Buyer to source upholstery products.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers (cost, payment terms, delivery).
• Analyse upholstery market trends and monitor competitors.
• Attend international fairs and trade shows to spot trends.
• Manage cost structure and pricing with finance to maintain margins.
• Assist in placing orders and follow up with suppliers on production/delivery.

Skills

Vendor management

Negotiation

Market analysis

Trend spotting

Cost management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or related fields

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

Product & Vendor Knowledge: In-depth understanding of various upholstery materials, fabrics, colours, patterns, and finishes. Awareness of global market trends in upholstery design.

Product Sourcing & Range Development: Collaborate with the Category Buyer to identify new upholstery products that align with customer preferences and sales forecasts. Develop product ranges that cater to various customer segments.

Vendor Negotiations: Strong negotiation skills to secure the best terms with suppliers, including cost pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules. Aim for win-win scenarios to maximize profitability.

Market Analysis: Analyse the latest trends in upholstery and furniture to ensure the product range is competitive and appealing to customers. Track competitor products and pricing strategies.

Trend Spotting: Attend international fairs and trade shows to discover new upholstery trends, materials, and suppliers. Stay updated on emerging global design trends.

Cost Management & Pricing: Manage the cost structure and ensure products are priced competitively while maintaining acceptable profit margins. Work with the finance team to ensure budget adherence.

Order Management: Assist in the placement of orders and ensure all order details, including quantities, delivery timelines, and payment terms, are accurate. Regularly follow up with suppliers for production and delivery updates.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or related fields.
• Experience: Minimum of 4 years of experience in buying or category management for upholstery or home furniture. Experience in both local and international markets is a plus.
• High attention to detail with the ability to multitask and prioritise.
• Strong negotiation skills with proven vendor management experience.
• Strong proficiency in MS Excel and other relevant software.
• Analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making.