Trend-Driven Toys Buying & Planning Lead

Confidentiel; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidentiel in Dubai is seeking a Head of Buying & Planning to lead a fast-moving toy assortment. You will own range strategy, buying, planning, allocation and margin, reporting to the Retail Director and guiding a dedicated team.

Spot trends across social media, fairs and sales data; balance test-and-scale ideas with big hits; manage OTB by category, forecast, replenishment and stock health; build strong supplier partnerships to improve margins and terms.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of buying experience and strong leadership in buying/planning.
• Strong skills in OTB, forecasting, allocation and margin management.
• Experience with direct sourcing, brand/distributor relationships is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set buying strategy and seasonal range plans balancing big brands with discovery items.
• Identify trends from social media, toy fairs and sales data to support fast, confident buying decisions.
• Decide when to test ideas and when to back proven hits at scale.
• Own the OTB by category, store and month; lead forecasting, allocation and replenishment.
• Maintain stock health with forward cover, bestseller availability, and manage markdowns.
• Build senior partnerships with brands and distributors; negotiate terms to improve margin and rebates.
• Broaden supplier base through direct sourcing, exclusives, or own-brand lines.
• Deliver sales, gross margin and stock targets; lead weekly trading reviews.
• Coach and develop a fast, curious, commercially driven team.

Skills

Buying & Merchandising

Merchandise Planning

Forecasting

Negotiation

Team Leadership

Data Analysis

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Confidentiel in Dubai is seeking a Head of Buying & Planning to lead a fast-moving toy assortment. You will own range strategy, buying, planning, allocation and margin, reporting to the Retail Director and guiding a dedicated team.

Spot trends across social media, fairs and sales data; balance test-and-scale ideas with big hits; manage OTB by category, forecast, replenishment and stock health; build strong supplier partnerships to improve margins and terms.