Head of Merchandising

Job description / Role

An international luxury department store renowned for their premium, contemporary and designer fashion is seeking a Head of Merchandising. We are seeking an individual who has strong merchandising experience within a recognised premium/luxury department store.

This role will be based in Doha- Qatar and report directly into the Vice President. You will be managing a team of 9 Merchandisers and Assistant Merchandisers across various categories such as womenswear, menswear, kidswear, leather goods, footwear, accessories, home and gifting. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is seeking an international challenge in the Middle East with a globally recognised brand.

The role requires a results-driven candidate with a proven track record within retail merchandising, who will drive departmental and company performance by leading the Merchandising Departments in the planning, managing and optimising of sales, stock, markdown, and profit. You will be responsible for ensuring strategy and budgets are achieved; planning and managing the targeted measures of sales, stock turn, markdown and profit at department/company level.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Act as a role model and leader across the organisation embodying the brand values and high performance behaviours
* Develop a high performance team who consistently exceed expectations
* Develop business plans contributing to the overall business objectives of the department store
* Build seasonal range plans to achieve sales, stock and profit targets by assessing historical strengths & weaknesses and analysing future opportunities
* Establish & manage best in class merchandising practices including size of range, style productivity targets, minimum order targets, pricing architecture, product life cycle, product phasing and trading periods.
* Carry out day to day controls through reviews and forecasting of sales (sell in & sell through), tracking of production costs and delivery schedules and the highlighting of areas of risk and opportunity.
* Maximize profit and turnover through margin, mark-down maintenance and promotional activities.
* Ensure the merchandise plan is developed and successfully maintained by delivering main range and seasonal product range plans that achieve sales, stock and profit targets

Requirements

* At least 12+ years Experienced in business planning for merchandising
* Proven track record in improving processes with ability to be both strategic and hands on
* Proven success in achieving sales and profit targets through highly efficient merchandising disciplines and a real understanding of the product and brand mix
* Excellent commercial acumen and forecasting skills
* Experienced in setting and monitoring strict critical paths, highly organised and efficient
* Strong team leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop collaborative & constructive relationships across all functions-Strong communication skills at all levels and across functions & cultures
* Ability to adapt and work well within a multicultural team

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.