Division Merchandise Manager

Carter Murray

Dubai, UAE

Ref: HP662-550

Job description / Role

Employment: Full Time

A retail group based in the UAE are seeking a Division Merchandise Manager to establish, lead & direct the buying function for all categories of merchandise for strategic sourcing & buying at optimum cost, quality and availability which meets customer needs thereby maximizing profits and providing a commercially viable range of merchandise.

You will be responsible for a diverse portfolio of international luxury fashion, footwear and accessory brands.

- Formulate suitable buying strategy, approach and plan in consonance with Brands and Groups broad guidelines.
- Direct and manage various functional aspects of vendor sourcing/ development, contract negotiation, purchasing, supply chain and warehouse to ensure optimum efficiency & performance of the function.
- Contribute to development of annual business plans, associated budgets and buying strategies, monitor performance against this, initiating corrective action where necessary to ensure operations are conducted within the agreed financial parameters and targets are achieved.
- Plan and monitor the selection of range, type, quantity and quality of merchandise according to customer demand, trends, store policies and set prices & sell through targets in line with the budgets.
- Develop and maintain profitable relationships with existing suppliers; meet and negotiate terms of contract (prices, discounts, credit terms) and monitor adherence to the contracts ensuring availability of right merchandise at right time.
- Analyze trends, review performance indicators with the GMM/GMs, liaise with stores to ensure supply meets demand, source new products and review existing ones to ensure products remain competitive.
- Ensure appropriate policies and procedures are in place to cover key areas of buying activity and effective systems are in place for monitoring compliance with all procedures.
- Manage and control the buying process and ensure optimum merchandising, timely deliveries, and high sales through.
- Manage and control in conjunction with the GMM/GMs all aspects of stock to achieve reduced lost sales, improved buying and balanced product mix through careful/ rigorous buying.
- Attend trade fairs, support in the successful implementation of all promotional activities, receive and analyze reports, sales figures and forecast trends providing inputs to the GM when required.
- Guide and motivate subordinates to enhance performance and produce quality work, and ensure that they are continuously developed for higher level roles.
- Prepare performance evaluation and appraisal reports of direct reports to assess subordinates productivity and progress and identify training needs of team members to improve efficiency and ensure conformity with standard procedures and practices.

Requirements

- University Degree in any discipline followed by qualification in Retailing or Retail Management/ Purchase/ Sales or related programs
- A proven track record in the field of Buying & Retailing.
- Good knowledge and experience in the (related) industry through work experience with international principals
- Excellent people management, planning, financial, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficient English (Arabic preferred).
- Keen to travel & develop network of professional & business relationships.
- Buying experience and expertise typically gained over a period of at least 8-10 years.

About the Company

Carter Murray is a specialist recruitment consultancy specialising in the placement of marketing professionals into professional services firms, the financial services sector, multi-national corporations and global brands from our offices in London, Dubai and Sydney. Carter Murray is a member of The SR Group, a specialist global recruitment consultancy founded in 1987, operating in the niche markets of Taxation, Legal, HR and Marketing recruitment. From the worlds largest companies to small owner-managed businesses, we recruit at all levels for a complete cross-section of clients. Our clients include the full range of UK and international professional services firms and financial services companies. We recognise that they expect an exceptional level of service and a real knowledge of todays highly specialised market.Each of our consultants personally manages their own clients and specialises in specific areas of this key marketplace. We take the time to really understand both parties needs and provide focused and consistent advice.

Get personalised updates on latest vacancies
Job Alerts by Email
  • Personalised updates on latest career opportunities
  • Insights on hiring and employment activity in your industry
  • Typically sent twice a month