Category Buyer - GCC

Lulu center - Sole Proprietorship LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 112,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Lulu center - Sole Proprietorship LLC in Abu Dhabi is seeking a dynamic Category Buyer to lead procurement across FMCG, retail and consumer packaging. You will develop category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and align purchasing with forecasts.

The ideal candidate will monitor inventory, negotiate contracts, and collaborate with internal teams to optimize stock, pricing and product availability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category purchasing strategies to optimize product selection and pricing
• Prepare order schedules for allocated product categories based on previous sales history and forecasts
• Enhance assortment planning and continuity purchase processes for respective products
• Monitor sales forecasts and inventory levels and coordinate with stores to maintain optimum stock levels
• Analyze sales history, sell-through, size category analysis and physical stock verification for re-orders
• Reduce carryover stock, improve stock turns and ensure timely delivery to warehouse
• Liaise with IT to upload pricing into system following price architecture and margins
• Conduct regular competitor store visits to monitor market changes, prices and products
• Perform other activities as directed by the department manager
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activity and potential suppliers
• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and quality
• Collaborate with internal teams to forecast demand and manage inventory effectively
• Analyze sales data and performance metrics to inform buying decisions
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure product availability and quality
• Monitor market conditions and adjust buying strategies accordingly

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Category Buyer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the procurement of goods within the FMCG, retail and consumer packaging sectors. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of market trends, supplier relationships and category management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category purchasing strategies to optimize product selection and pricing
• Prepare order schedules for allocated product categories in the based on previous sales history and sales forecasts for upcoming seasons
• Enhance assortment planning processes and continuity purchase processes for respective products
• Monitor sales forecasts and inventory levels across allocated products and work with the store team to order stock maintain optimum stock levels
• Analyse sales history sell through size category analysis and physical stock verification as a base for re-ordering stock
• Reduce carry over stock improve stock turns and manage timely delivery of merchandise to the warehouse
• Liaise with the IT team to upload pricing into the system following the price architecture and predetermined margins
• Conduct regular competitors store visits to monitor market changes competitor prices and products
• From time to time perform other activities as directed by the department manager
• Conduct market research to identify trends competitor activities and potential suppliers
• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and quality
• Collaborate with internal teams to forecast demand and manage inventory effectively
• Analyse sales data and performance metrics to make informed buying decisions
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure product availability and quality
• Monitor market conditions and adjust buying strategies accordingly