Retail Buyer

Kingston Stanley; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingston Stanley in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Retail Buyer to lead end-to-end category buying and product development in a dynamic entertainment environment. You will source suppliers, negotiate terms, manage IP/licensing partnerships with major brands, and analyze sales trends to drive growth across categories.

Collaborate with Merchandise Planning, Inventory, VM and Compliance teams to ensure timely launches and optimal stock levels.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of retail buying and product development experience.
• Hands-on, end-to-end retail product development experience.
• Proven retail buying, supplier sourcing and vendor management experience.
• Experience with licensed merchandise/IP, e.g., Warner Bros. or Disney.
• Strong commercial, analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• GCC retail experience is an advantage; theme park/entertainment experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage retail categories from product sourcing and development through to launch.
• Source and manage suppliers, negotiating pricing, quality and commercial terms.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, brands and IP/licensing partners.
• Analyze sales, stock and market trends to identify growth opportunities and improve category performance.
• Collaborate with Merchandise Planning, Inventory, VM and Compliance teams on buying plans, budgets, product launches and inventory.
• Ensure products meet quality, compliance and commercial requirements.

Skills

retail buying

product development

supplier sourcing

vendor management

licensing/IP

analytical skills

negotiation

stakeholder management

Job description

A leading entertainment and leisure group is looking for an experienced Retail Buyer to join its team in Abu Dhabi.

The role will manage the end-to-end retail buying and product development process across assigned categories, working closely with suppliers, internal stakeholders and licensed brands/IP partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage retail categories from product sourcing and development through to launch.
• Source and manage suppliers, negotiating pricing, quality and commercial terms.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, brands and IP/licensing partners.
• Analyze sales, stock and market trends to identify growth opportunities and improve category performance.
• Collaborate with Merchandise Planning, Inventory, VM and Compliance teams on buying plans, budgets, product launches and inventory.
• Ensure products meet quality, compliance and commercial requirements.

Key Requirements:

• 7+ years of retail buying and product development experience.
• Strong hands-on, end-to-end retail product development experience.
• Proven retail buying, supplier sourcing and vendor management experience.
• Experience with licensed merchandise/IP, such as Warner Bros., Disney or similar major brands, is highly desirable.
• Strong commercial, analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• GCC retail experience is an advantage; theme park, entertainment or attractions experience is a plus.