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Job description / Role
Senior Commercial Manager - Milano - Kuwait
Milano is a leading fashion-focused footwear and accessories retailer, offering a wide variety of styles drawing inspiration for the leading international fashion trends. The brand offers an eclectic mix of shoes and bags ranging from casual to something for those more formal occasions. Our staff provide friendly customer service in a stylish and comfortable environment.
Coming from the footwear retail/branded industry, you will be responsible for managing the commercial function within Milano with a team of fewer than 5 staff. The commercial function will primarily manage the commercial aspects of the purchasing process.
Working in parallel with the product buying team you be responsible for contracts, as well as negotiations with vendors on pricing, payment terms, quality standard, supplier manuals and other commercial aspects such as penalties for delayed deliveries, product claims etc.
With over 50 manufactures spread between Asia, Europe & Brazil producing for Milano either directly or via our China agents, it is crucial that risks are managed in order for the brand's interest to be protected, for prices to remain competitive, and for the brand to obtain the best commercial terms and conditions from vendors and our agents as per footwear industry norms.
Working with the VP of the brand, one of your core responsibilities will be to create a standard supplier manual along with a contract for every region that we produce in, then effectively adjust each one as required for every vendor / end manufacturer and monitor their respective performance.
Requirements
* Over 7 years' experience as a commercial or purchase manager in the footwear, apparel or accessories industry
* Work experience at a footwear vertical retail and/or footwear brand is preferable
* A degree or higher diploma in business / international commerce
* Experience working with and importing from Asian/Chinese suppliers is critical
* Experience working with buyers, designers, and/or merchandisers in a retail or branded environment
The ideal candidate will be commercially astute and a good negotiator, yet practical and having empathy for established manufacturers. Excellent teamwork and inter-personal skills will contribute to your ability to work under pressure alongside other assertive personalities, and strong communication skills will enable you to communicate confidently at all levels.
A candidate with advanced MS Excel skills would be preferable, and any experience with European manufacturers would be a plus.
About the Company
As a leading international franchise operator, with nearly 90 of the world’s most recognised brands in its portfolio, Alshaya Group brings great shopping, dining, leisure and hospitality experiences to millions of customers across the Middle East & North Africa, Russia, Turkey, Europe and beyond.
Alshaya Group is a dynamic multinational business and family owned enterprise with a consistent record of growth and innovation. For 35 years, Alshaya has been a pioneering force in brand franchising, using its exceptional knowledge and experience to expand at pace.
Our portfolio of well-loved international brands includes Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, The Body Shop, M.A.C, Victoria’s Secret, Boots, Pottery Barn, KidZania and, coming soon, Hampton by Hilton.
From one retail franchise store opened in Kuwait in 1983, Alshaya Group has consistently grown and diversified and today offers customers an unparalleled choice of brands across multiple sectors; Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Food, Optics, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings, Leisure & Entertainment, and Hotels. A diverse, skilled team of 53,000 people from 120 nationalities support more than 4,000 stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure destinations, a growing online business and a commitment to delivering great customer experiences.