Assistant Merchandiser - Kids Wear | Retail | Marks & Spencer | UAE

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 organisation 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 :

The Assistant Merchandiser is responsible for supporting the Senior Merchandiser and Merchandiser of the BU. He / She will produce reports, analyse these and recommend actions. He / she will assist with the planning and product selection of the BU catalogues and categories. He / she will also ensure that trackers and data files are updated and maintained, and for managing the allocation process.

What you will do :

ALLOCATION PROCESS

• Manage accurate BTF setting
• Guide and train allocators
• Manage and implement AI Allocation solution from Invent Analytics
• Liaise with stores to understand regional needs

BUSINESS REPORTS AND ANALYSIS

• Generate accurate and clear reports
• Maintain reporting process
• Generate promotion tracking
• Analyse weekly trade report and recommend action points
• Report and flag best / worst sellers, analyse customer habits and understand product choices
• Housekeeping of data
• Produce and Analyse seasonal sales and recommend future buying

CATALOGUE BUYING

• Assisting the Senior Merchandiser / Merchandiser in the Catalogue Buying process
• Maintaining Core Buying sheet to calculate correct buying quantities – implementing Demand Planning solution
• Data entry of buying quantities to IBT / Digital Range Building system
• Preparing planograms using DRB
• Using reporting to make meaningful comparisons against LY / Buying Budget / Promotional calendar
• Awareness of the market and contribution to BU strategy
• Passion for the M&S Brand and appreciation of product

COMMUNICATION

• First point of contact for stores in the event of stock related issues
• Assist in weekly trade communications
• Contribute to planning for retail conference
• Understand transformation to digital mindset, ensure seamless journey for customer through product instore and online
• Provide clear and accurate information for all business users
• Good relationship with Principal
• Ensure product data and descriptions online are customer friendly

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 Team Player
• Able to handle Complexity
• Attention to Detail
• Highly Numerate
• Product Confident
• Strong track record of People Management
• 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)
• 3-4 years’ experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising at AM or Allocator level
• Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and / or Europe and experience of UK / European brands
• Delighting Our Customers
• Managing Complexity
• Influencing Others
• Taking Initiative
• Drive for Results
• Engaging Leadership
• Developing Talent

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