Buying and Merchandising Manager

Chalhoub Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative fashion group seeks a dynamic Buying & Merchandising Manager to lead strategies across multiple luxury brands in the Middle East. This role is pivotal for driving commercial success through data analysis, assortment optimization, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the luxury fashion sector, a strong grasp of retail KPIs, and a proven ability to inspire teams. Join a forward-thinking company that values creativity and excellence, where your contributions will shape the future of fashion in the region.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in buying/merchandising with managerial experience in luxury fashion.
• Strong knowledge of retail KPIs and OTB management.

Responsibilities

• Lead buying and merchandising strategy across OTB brands in the Middle East.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to drive decisions.

Skills

Buying and Merchandising

Analytical Skills

Negotiation Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Fashion

Job description

On behalf of OTB, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Buying & Merchandising Manager who will be responsible for 3 brands, Mason Margiela, Jil Sander and Marni across the UAE and KSA.

Only The Brave (OTB) is an international fashion and luxury group powering a range of unconventional global brands, including Jil Sander, Maison Margiela and Marni.

As our name suggests - OTB stands for Only The Brave - we challenge established rules to redefine the world of fashion and lifestyle by fostering the creativity of international talents while expressing the innovative and bold spirit of our Founder and Chairman, Renzo Rosso.

OTB s values are based on courage, respect, excellence and continuous innovation. OTB challenges it's limits by raising the bar and breaking new ground.

What you'll be doing

The Buying and Merchandising Manager is responsible for leading the buying and merchandising strategy across all OTB brands in the Middle East region, including Maison Margiela, Marni, and Jil Sander. This role ensures commercial success through assortment optimization, OTB planning, performance analysis, and close cross-functional collaboration with supply chain, marketing, and VM. The role also plays a critical leadership function in team development, vendor management, and aligning brand DNA with regional customer expectations. Your responsibilities will be to:

• Define seasonal buying and merchandising strategies across all OTB brands in the region
• Manage OTB budgets aligned with brand guidelines and regional goals
• Lead seasonal buying sessions ensuring commercial and brand alignment
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer insights to drive decisions
• Oversee store grading, assortment planning, and product mix tailored to consumer behavior
• Provide ongoing competitor analysis and regional product recommendations
• Monitor in-season performance and execute reactive strategies with HQ (e.g., reorders, stock transfers, markdowns)
• Oversee replenishment strategies and review product performance KPIs
• Manage allocation and distribution by store/channel to optimize product flow
• Identify commercial opportunities through vendor negotiations (e.g., delivery improvements)
• Partner with supply chain to ensure timely deliveries and replenishment
• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising and Marketing to support product storytelling and seasonal launches
• Align with Finance and HQ on budgeting, pricing strategy, and profitability
• Lead and inspire the Buying & Merchandising team with a focus on performance and creativity
• Oversee recruitment, development, and retention of top talent
• Foster cross-functional learning and exposure across teams to build future-ready capabilities

What you ll need to succeed

• Minimum 8 years experience in buying/merchandising, with at least 3 in a managerial role within luxury or contemporary fashion.
• Strong knowledge of retail KPIs, OTB management, and regional consumer trends.
• Experience working with European brand principals and navigating matrix organizations.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of developing talent and building high-performing teams.

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