Assistant Merchandiser - Kids wear

Al-Futtaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional retail company in Dubai is seeking an Assistant Merchandiser to support product selection, manage inventory, and create business reports. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and at least 3 years of experience in fashion buying or merchandising, particularly in MENA or Europe. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong analytical skills are essential for success in this position, along with effective communication and team management abilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in fashion buying or merchandising.
• Experience in a retail buying environment in MENA or Europe.
• Strong proficiency in Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage allocation processes and maintain accurate stock levels.
• Generate business reports and analyze trade data.
• Assist in the catalogue buying process.
• Act as a contact point for stores regarding stock issues.
• Communicate strategic objectives and coach team members.

Skills

Analytical skills

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Job description

Overview Of The Role

The Assistant Merchandiser plays a crucial role in supporting the Senior Merchandiser and Merchandiser of the business unit. The role involves analytical responsibilities such as producing and analyzing reports to recommend actionable strategies, assisting in product selection and planning, and ensuring the effective updating and managing of data. This position requires strong collaboration skills to liaise with store teams, provide first-point-of-contact service for stock issues, and contribute to broader strategic planning for catalogues and product ranges. Success in this role is marked by the ability to maintain optimum stock levels and provide data-driven insights that enhance buying decisions.

What You Will Do

• Allocation Process
  • Manage accurate BTF setting and ratio balancing.
  • Guide and train allocators.
  • Manage and implement AI Allocation solution from Invent Analytics.
  • Liaise with stores to understand regional needs, ensuring optimum stock levels and correct size availability.
  • Improve availability and sell through in stores.
• Business Reports and Analysis
  • Generate accurate and clear business reports.
  • Maintain reporting processes and generate promotion tracking.
  • Analyze weekly trade reports and recommend action points.
  • Report and flag best/worst sellers, analyze customer habits, and understand product choices.
  • Produce and analyze seasonal sales and recommend future buying decisions.
• Catalogue Buying
  • Assist Senior Merchandiser/Merchandiser in Catalogue Buying process.
  • Maintain Core Buying sheet and implement Demand Planning solution.
  • Enter buying quantities into IBT/Digital Range Building system.
  • Prepare planograms using DRB and make comparisons against LY/Buying Budget/Promotional calendar.
  • Contribute to BU strategy with market awareness and product appreciation.
• Communication
  • Act as first point of contact for stores on stock issues and assist in weekly trade communications.
  • Contribute to planning for retail conference and digital transformation strategy.
  • Provide accurate information for business users and ensure online product data is customer friendly.
  • Maintain strong relationships with Principals and ensure comprehensive regional offers.
• Leading People
  • Communicate strategic objectives clearly and work to SMART goals.
  • Provide coaching for team development and succession planning with HRBP.
  • Role model Al-Futtaim Way Behaviours and M&S Values.
  • Engage in quality PDR processes to ensure high team engagement and development.

Required Skills To Be Successful

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills.
• Capability to manage and train team members effectively.

What Qualifies You For The Role

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in fashion buying and merchandising at the assistant or allocator level.
• Experience in a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe, with an understanding of UK/European brands.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and familiarity with SAP is an additional advantage.