Senior Buyer - Private Fashion Labels

Apparel FZCO; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the apparel industry seeks a Merchandise Planner to oversee merchandise planning and selection, ensuring alignment with customer preferences and financial targets. The role involves executing buying activities, maintaining supplier relationships, and developing seasonal strategies to enhance profitability. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills and experience in strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Experience in merchandise planning and buying.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to negotiate with suppliers.
• Proven track record in developing seasonal strategies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee merchandise planning and selection to meet financial targets.
• Conduct buying activities according to brand strategies.
• Analyze sales performance and adjust production flows.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Supplier Negotiation

Market Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Job description

- Plan and select the range, type, quality, and quantity of merchandise based on customer demand, trends, store policies, and set prices, aiming to meet sell-through targets in collaboration with the Brand Manager/GM to ensure alignment with the budget.

- Conduct buying activities in accordance with the brand buying plans.

- Maintain profitable relationships with existing suppliers and monitor compliance with contract terms.

Position Objective

- Oversee merchandise planning and selection, ensuring alignment with customer preferences, trends, and store policies, and collaborate with the Brand Manager/GM to meet financial targets.

- Execute buying activities per the brand's buying strategy.

- Foster and sustain profitable supplier relationships and ensure adherence to contractual obligations.

Key Responsibilities

Business Strategy

• Develop seasonal strategies aligned with brand positioning to formulate the Gross Margin Plan.
• Create a detailed assortment and investment plan.
• Design sourcing development plans and manage critical paths for timely execution.
• Negotiate with new suppliers regarding pricing, payment terms, freight costs, training, and promotional involvement to facilitate purchase orders.
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning in coordination with the planning team.
• Implement seasonal business strategies by monitoring critical paths, range development, and product selection.
• Prepare and oversee the buying calendar.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Visual Merchandising to develop seasonal product focus plans that drive key initiatives.
• Focus on maintaining current business and expanding into new categories.
• Conduct customer focus groups and competitive shopping to inform buying decisions.

Performance and Operations

• Analyze and report weekly sales performance at various levels and adjust production flows to maximize sales.
• Manage Trade and Non-Trade (TNA) plans.
• Implement and adhere to the buying calendar for timely analysis and range planning.
• Perform regular competitor surveys to identify product gaps and inform range strategies.
• Manage product range and hierarchy, and plan seasonal phases.
• Oversee the seasonal 'The Look', influencing product selection, in-store visual merchandising, and layout planning.
• Stay updated on market trends and competitor activities.
• Train staff on product knowledge, providing regular trend updates and training sessions.
• Review buying feedback and advise the General Manager on strategic adjustments for brands or collections.