Senior Merchandiser – Retail Procurement & Vendor Management

Job description / Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Merchandiser- Retail Procurement & Vendor Management to oversee the end-to-end process of merchandise development, production, and delivery. This role is pivotal in bridging creative vision with commercial execution, turning artistic concepts into market-ready retail products that reflect both cultural authenticity and contemporary appeal.

The ideal candidate will be adept at managing supplier relationships, product quality, and operational timelines, while driving innovation and profitability within the retail merchandising function.

Key Responsibilities
• Collaborate with internal teams including Design, Procurement, Finance, and Legal—to plan, develop, and execute new merchandise concepts.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle: from concept design, supplier sourcing, sampling, and production through to delivery.
• Liaise closely with suppliers to ensure product quality, design accuracy, and adherence to delivery timelines.
• Conduct product and market research to support the development of new product lines and merchandise categories.
• Oversee supplier communications, contract placements, quality control checks, and order finalization.
• Ensure that product specifications, pricing, packaging, and labelling meet brand and operational standards.
• Monitor and manage production schedules, inventory levels, and shipment logistics to meet retail timelines.
• Conduct due diligence on intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights) for all bespoke merchandise to prevent infringement.
• Work with store teams to coordinate stock availability, forecast demand, and ensure merchandising plans align with sales goals.
• Prepare analytical and ad-hoc reports on merchandising performance, sales forecasts, and supplier efficiency.
• Track and evaluate supplier performance and explore new vendor partnerships to enhance product offerings.
• Support financial processes including budget control, invoicing, and margin management to achieve profitability targets.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in retail merchandising, product development, or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of the retail production process, merchandising trends, and supply chain management.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and ERP/Oracle systems.
• Proven track record in managing supplier relationships and coordinating complex production schedules.
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical abilities.
• High attention to detail with a creative and commercial mindset.
• Fluent in English (both written and verbal); Arabic or other languages are an advantage.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and culturally diverse environment.
• Willing to work in Doha, Qatar

About the Company

About Us Helping professionals grow. Supporting businesses thrive.

Black Pearl is a HR consultancy and recruitment firm based in the UAE. We connect skilled professionals with leading organizations across the Gulf region, offering a personalized and thoughtful approach to hiring.

Our team specializes in recruiting for roles across key industries, including but not limited to: - Healthcare and Life Sciences - Engineering and Construction - Technology and Digital - Finance and Accounting - Hospitality and Retail - Government and Emiratization

Whether you’re searching for your next opportunity or looking to hire, we work closely with you to understand your goals and find the right fit.