Buying and Merchandising Manager

Chalhoub Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Buying and Merchandising Manager to spearhead their strategy across luxury brands in the Middle East. This pivotal role focuses on optimizing assortments, managing budgets, and ensuring commercial success through data-driven decisions and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in luxury fashion, strong analytical skills, and a proven track record of leading high-performing teams. Join a dynamic environment where your expertise will shape the future of luxury retail in the region.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in buying/merchandising, with 3+ years in a managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of retail KPIs and OTB management.

Responsibilities

• Lead buying and merchandising strategy across all OTB brands.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to drive decisions.
• Manage OTB budgets and oversee store grading.

Skills

Retail KPIs

OTB Management

Consumer Trends

Analytical Skills

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Job description

Garments / Fashion / Merchandising / Showroom
Leisure / Fitness / Luxury
Purchase / Stores / Spare Parts / Buyer

Skillset

Knowledge of retail KPIs, OTB management, and regional consumer trends.

Preferred Jobseekers

Jobseekers from any GCC country

Role Overview: 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. It also plays a critical leadership role in team development, vendor management, and aligning brand DNA with regional customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

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

Requirements to Succeed:

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

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