Sr. Merchandiser- Womenswear (Planning) | M&S | Retail | UAE

Robinson & Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim is seeking a Senior Merchandiser to lead BU strategy, drive sales and cash margin, and manage space, OTB planning and product selection. You will build strong cross-functional partnerships, including with the Host Brand, and oversee business planning to achieve KPI targets.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in fashion planning and merchandising, a graduate degree (masters preferred), and proven leadership with strong Excel and SAP experience. Dubai-based role with UK buying exposure.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in fashion planning and merchandising.
• Graduate (Masters preferred).
• Good communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Formulate Annual Business Plan and deliver key KPIs.
• Plan and manage Sales, Cash Margin and OTB by department, range and store.
• Define allocation blueprint and replenishment strategy.
• Lead range detail planning and core availability strategies.
• Sign off catalogues and manage opportunities to support marketing strategy.
• Engage in stakeholder relationships within M&S and UK operations.

Skills

Complexity handling

Planning & Organizing

Attention to detail

Numerate

Product confidence

People management

Womenswear

ME region exp

Graduate

Excel

SAP

Education

Graduate (Masters preferred)

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

About Al-Futtaim
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations.

Overview of the role:

Senior Merchandiser is responsible for the BU Strategy to drive Sales and Cash Margin and is accountable for achieving the Key Business KPI’s of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost and Closing Stock. He/she controls Space and OTB Planning plus Product Selection. Senior Merchandiser is responsible for Team Management and Team Development ensuring high energy and engagement whilst building and maintaining effective Cross-Functional relationships, including those with the Host Brand.

What you will do:-

Description of Accountability:

BUSINESS PLAN AND DELIVERY OF KEY KPI’s

• Formulate Annual Business Plan
• Constantly search for Business Opportunities to increase Sales and

Cash Margin

• Detailed knowledge of BU, Markets operated in and Key Competitor’s
• Manage BU WSSI

SALES AND OTB PLANNING

• Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Department/ Range
• Plan appropriate Sales/ Cash Margin by Store
• Plan appropriate Space for each Department/ Range in each Store
• Plan appropriate OTB and Options by T Department/ Range

RANGE DETAIL PLANNING

• Management of Core Template to drive Core Availability
• Size Cut Strategy by Department/ Market
• Appropriate Good/ Better/ Best Offer
• Sufficient Volume on Key OPP’S

PRODUCT SELECTION

• Detailed Preparation for UK Buying Fairs
• Sign Off every Catalogue
• Opportunity Buys to Support Marketing Strategy
• Spend Control
• Margin Optimization

TRADE

• Weekly Team Meeting and Actions
• Weekly Store Communication (GM Action News)
• Define and Manage Allocation Blueprint
• Define and Manage Replenishment Strategy by Type of Product/ Market
• Implement Robust Promotional Calendar
• Implement robust Innovations Communication
• Ensure Opening Price Points well executed and Messaged In-Store
• Effective Markdown Management – controlling Shop in Shop

Statements but clearing Seasonal Lines

• Conduct Quarterly Comp Shops
• Report on Key Missed Opportunities
• Conduct Quarterly SWOT with Store Champions
• Engage in Market Visits

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Build Good Relationships with Senior Merchandiser Colleagues

within M&S

• Build good relationships with M&S Operations Team, VM Team

and Marketing Team

Build good working relationship with UK

LEADING PEOPLE

• Engage team with relevant Objectives, inclusion in the

‘Bigger Picture’ plus continued Feedback and

• Provide coaching for development and ensure succession

within the team working with HRBP on Talent Management

• Role model Al-Futtaim Way Behaviours and M&S Values

Required Skills to be successful:

• Able to handle Complexity
• Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Highly Numerate
• Product Confident
• Works at Pace with an Impatience to get things Done
• Strong track record of People Management
• Womenswear or Middle East Experience preferred
• Graduate or Graduate Calibre
• Good working knowledge of Excel
• Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage

What equips you for the role:

• Graduate (Masters Preferred)
• Minimum 8 Years’ Experience in Fashion Planning and Merchandising
• Good Communications skills

We’re here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.

As part of our candidate experience promise, we also want to make ourselves available to you throughout the application process. We make every effort to review and respond to every application.