Category Buyer - Gulf Countries

Lulu Group; Bahrain; On-site; BHD 9,000 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

Lulu Group in Bahrain is seeking a dynamic Category Buyer to manage procurement across FMCG, retail, and consumer packaging. The role emphasizes strategy, supplier relationships, and category management to optimize product selection and pricing.

You will develop purchasing strategies, forecast demand, monitor stock, and negotiate terms with suppliers while collaborating with internal teams to ensure product availability and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field.
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in category buying or procurement within the FMCG/retail/consumer goods sectors.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build relationships with suppliers.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category purchasing strategies to optimize product selection and pricing.
• Prepare order schedules for allocated product categories based on previous sales history and forecasts.
• Enhance assortment planning processes and continuity purchase processes for respective products.
• Monitor sales forecasts and inventory levels and coordinate with store team to order stock and maintain optimum stock levels
• Analyze sales history, sell through, size & category analysis and physical stock verification for re-ordering stock
• Reduce carry over stock, improve stock turns and manage timely delivery of merchandise to the warehouse
• Liaise with the IT team to upload pricing into the system following the price architecture and predetermined margins
• Conduct regular competitors store visits to monitor market changes, competitor prices and products
• From time to time perform other activities as directed by the department manager
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activities, and potential suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and quality.
• Collaborate with internal teams to forecast demand and manage inventory effectively.
• Analyze sales data and performance metrics to make informed buying decisions.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure product availability and quality.
• Monitor market conditions and adjust buying strategies accordingly.
• Prepare and present reports on category performance and recommendations for improvement.

Skills

Negotiation

Data analysis

Supplier relationships

Category management

Forecasting

Inventory management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Supply Chain Management degree

Job description

Role & responsibilities

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Category Buyer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the procurement of goods within the FMCG, retail and consumer packaging sectors. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of market trends, supplier relationships, and category management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute category purchasing strategies to optimize product selection and pricing.
• Prepare order schedules for allocated product categories in the based on previous sales history and sales forecasts for upcoming seasons.
• Enhance assortment planning processes and continuity purchase processes for respective products.
• Monitor sales forecasts and inventory levels across allocated products and work with the store team to order stock / maintain optimum stock levels
• Analyse sales history, sell through, size & category analysis and physical stock verification as a base for re-ordering stock
• Reduce carry over stock, improve stock turns and manage timely delivery of merchandise to the warehouse
• Liaise with the IT team to upload pricing into the system following the price architecture and predetermined margins
• Conduct regular competitors store visits to monitor market changes, competitor prices and products
• From time to time perform other activities as directed by the department manager
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activities, and potential suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and quality.
• Collaborate with internal teams to forecast demand and manage inventory effectively.
• Analyze sales data and performance metrics to make informed buying decisions.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure product availability and quality.
• Monitor market conditions and adjust buying strategies accordingly.
• Prepare and present reports on category performance and recommendations for improvement.

Preferred candidate profile

• Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in category buying or procurement within the FMCG/retail/consumer goods sectors.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build relationships with suppliers.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.