Junior Buyer

Careers at UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail group is seeking a Junior Buyer specializing in Babywear and Kidswear within the Gulf region. The candidate will manage purchasing, supplier relationships, and market trends. Ideal candidates have over 5 years of experience in buying, strong negotiation, and communication skills, with a keen interest in retail. This role requires effective multitasking in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in Buying and Merchandising.
• 3 years in Babywear and/or Kidswear with Non-clothing.
• Experience in buying and supplies in retail.

Responsibilities

• Develop product strategy based on market trends.
• Maintain communication with suppliers for orders.
• Research optimal merchandise for sales and profits.

Skills

Buying expertise in non-clothing

Negotiation skills

Customer service skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Qualification in Retailing or related programs

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Job description

Junior Buyer

About Us

As a leader in luxury retail in the Middle East, Al Tayer Group’s retail division, Al Tayer Insignia, hosts a portfolio of some of the world’s best luxury brands in the fashion, jewellery, home, and department store categories. Complementing its position in luxury retail, Al Tayer Insignia has also built new frontiers in lifestyle retail, representing leading brands in the Beauty, Home, Fashion and Hospitality sectors. Our brands include Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols, Armani, Gym Shark and The White Company, to name just a few!

About The Role

We are looking for Junior Buyer – Babywear and/or Kidswear with Non clothing category experience who will work closely with the buying lead. This person is responsible to take ownership for a section of the departmental buy (e.g., a category) and drives sales through its purchases of high-quality merchandise at the most advantageous price. The Junior buyer ensures proper management of their brand relationships and is responsible for the end-to-end product process.

The Junior Buyer who has strong buying background with Non clothing, like Strollers, car seats, kids furniture, etc. The role would be for Mamas and Papas across stores and e‑com in the GCC region.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Roles and Responsibilities

• Develops a detailed understanding of their department and the market trends for the category. Works closely with their Buyer/line manager to clearly define the product strategy and operates in collaboration with the principal brand(s) to execute this via the right assortment.
• Takes on board store team and customer feedback in order to range build the assortment for their particular category.
• Regularly presents and updates VP buying/Head of buying along with the Buyer with performance insights and analysis. Reacts quickly to feedback and requests from senior management.

Functional Roles and Responsibilities

• Research and sourcing, industry trends and approaches new brands or products areas to include within the portfolio.
• Maintain regular communication with suppliers as applicable. Assist with the efficient ordering delivery and payment of merchandise to reduce the likelihood of queries and problems.
• To assist the Buyer to research and select from home and abroad, the best quality merchandise suppliers have to offer at the best price to maximize sales and profit margins. In conjunction with the Buyer to control the selection of merchandise for the Sales within the agreed markdown and to reach the agreed stock level.
• Place re‑orders as applicable in consultation with buyers and communicate relevant information to all relevant parties in planning and supply chain.
• Maintain accurate database of vendor agreements and forward completed vendor agreements to Merchandise Planning.
• Consolidate buying feedback reports and provide buyers with reports and recommendations per brand portfolio.

People Management Roles and Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for the outcomes of others. Promotes a sense of urgency and establishes and enforces individual accountability in the team. Works with people to establish explicit performance standards. Is completely on top of what is going on and knows where things stand. Provides balanced feedback at the most critical times.
• Proactively develops relationships with a wide variety of people. Builds immediate rapport, even when facing difficult or tense situations. Understands interpersonal and group dynamics and reacts in an effective manner. Engages input from others constantly and listens with empathy and concern.
• Readily distinguishes between what’s relevant and what’s unimportant to make sense of complex situations. Looks beyond the obvious and doesn’t stop at the first answers. Analyzes multiple and diverse sources of information to define problems accurately before moving to solutions.
• Delivers messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner. Articulates messages in a way that is broadly understandable. Adjusts communication content and style to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Takes consistent action to develop new skills. Finds ways to apply strengths to new issues. Is aware of the skills needed to be successful in different situations and levels. Seeks assignments that stretch him/her beyond comfort zone.
• Decisively makes high-quality decisions, even when based on incomplete information or in the face of uncertainty. Actively seeks input from pertinent sources to make timely and well-informed decisions. Skillfully separates opinions from facts. Is respected by others for displaying superior judgment.

About You

The ideal candidate should have the below qualifications, skills, capabilities and experience:

• Bachelors Degree in any discipline.
• Qualification in Retailing or Retail Management/ Purchase/ Sales or related programs.
• Minimum of 5+ years in Buying and Merchandising role, out of which 3 years in Babywear and/or Kidswear with Non clothing category.
• Strong buying background into multi Babywear and/or Kidswear brands with Non clothing category experience is a MUST.
• Working knowledge and buying expertise with non clothing, like Strollers, car seats, kids furniture etc. is a MUST.
• Relevant experience in buying and supplies, gained within the retail industry.
• Deep understanding and professional experience with Purchasing Contracts.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent negotiation, customer service and consulting skills.
• Strong market knowledge on trends and experience in working across various functions, businesses and GCC regions.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and adapt to changing market dynamics.
• Knowledge in Micro strategy is preferable.
• Time Management and Organizational Skills.
• Building strong relations with internal and external stakeholders for eg; Vendor/brand Relationship Management.
• Ability to Sourcing and product research.
• System knowledge and PO management.
• Strong Analytical, Leadership skills and Strategic Thinking.
• Good Business Acumen and Results Driven.
• Ability to Work Independently and posses strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Possesses a proactive and adaptable approach to work.
• Enthusiastic about the retail industry and keen to further develop buying skills.
• Attention to details and Problem‑Solving Skills ability.

Additional Information

• Job Detail: Babywear, Kidswear-Non clothing category