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Job description / Role
Responsible for planning, selecting, product development and purchasing quantities of goods and merchandise that are sold in stores and building vendor relationships in order to maximize sales performance and gross margin within a product category. Source new and review existing goods to ensure their product mix remains competitive.
• Develop and execute assortment planning
• Prepare optimal seasonal assortment plan by category for each type of store, following brand’s guidelines and instruct local merchandise team accordingly
• Liaise with existing suppliers and place seasonal orders as well as replenishment orders when needed
• Negotiate prices, quantities, delivery contracts and time - scales
• Analyze past sales patterns to anticipate trends in consumer buying pattern
• Recommend clearance sales and vary delivery schedules to help control stock levels
• Take action to maximise sales and minimise losses incoordination with the Operations Manager
• Regularly review performance indicators, such as sales and discount levels
• Develop and achieve seasonal unit plans and pre-set stock targets
• Analyze sales and stock, and take rational decisions to effectively manage P&L targets set
• Validate product cancellations/substitutions proposed by supplier vs. order placed
• Update and manage OTB deployed by business unit, product selection, ensuring point of sales are filled commercially and the brand image is well executed
• Responsible for mark downs, buying, product merchandising and in store products training
• Provide insights on sell-thru targets by stores to reflect the potential of stores
• Represent the brand in its respective categories according to the merchandising plan for the given market
• Provide and ensure that the Operations team receives all the information available from the supplier before buying (colors and items, must-haves per store for brand image, limited editions and one-shot productions, split by categories for the season core assortment)
• Provide a summary of purchase made vs. budget by category and store to Product Manager
• Set up calendar of items exiting shop floor
• Recommended line targets to push categories and products from the very beginning of the season
• Maintain relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers for future products
• Liaise with other departments within the organisation to ensure projects are completed
• Monitor competitors' sales activities by following their advertisements in newspapers and other media
• Examine, select, order, and purchase at the most favorable price merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements and other factors
• Conduct staff meetings with sales personnel to introduce new merchandise
• Ensure that assortment in stores is respected by performing regular visits in countries during season and that corrective actions are taken if needed
• Provide insights on sell-thru targets by categories to reflect the potential of categories in the region
• Ensure that store by store orders are done according to budget ratios by category and recommendations of commercial teams during pre-buying sessions
• Ensure risk mitigation on atypical items from a specific store
• Monitor store execution of product pricing, reporting and categorization
Requirements
University Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or relevant field
Nature and length of previous experience: Minimum of 6 years experience in a similar role within Sports Retail Industry
Specialist knowledge:
• Assortment and Product Planning
• Brand Management
• Business Acumen
• Commercial Awareness
• Communication (Verbal, Written)
• Computer and Software Literacy
• Financial Reporting and Budgeting
• Logistics and Supply Chain
• Presentation
• Product and Fabrication Development
• Product Knowledge
• Relevant Laws and Regulations
• Research
• Retail Operations
• Sales Management
• Vendor Management
Soft Skills and Personality Traits:
• Accuracy
• Analytical Ability
• Attention to detail
• Coaching and Monitoring
• Flexibility
• Independence
• Leadership
• Negotiation and Influencing
• Personal Motivation
• Planning and Organizing
• Proactivity
• Process Excellence
• Productivity
• Teamwork
• Time Management
About the Company
Al Mana is one of the largest and most diversified groups in the region, operating over 55 companies in 8 countries and employing over 3500 personnel. Industries that we operate in include automotive distribution and services, real estate and investments, retail and luxury fashion, F&B, engineering, technology, media and entertainment. The group covers most areas of retail including luxury goods, beauty, fashion, home interiors, watches and jewellery. Operating over 300 outlets, Al Mana represents some of the largest and most successful brands in the world.