Sr. Merchandiser - Kids wear (Buying) | Retail | M&S | UAE

Overview

Drive sales, margin, buying and merchandising for kids wear at M&S in UAE.

Key Responsibilities

• sales planning
• margin management
• allocation blueprint
• replenishment strategy
• space planning
• reporting

Tasks

-Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Store and Region -Build Good Relationships with Merchandising Colleagues within M&S -Management of Core Template to drive Core Availability -Weekly Store Communication (GM Action News) -Implement Robust Promotional Calendar -Provide coaching for development and ensure succession within the team working with HRBP on Talent Management -Ensure Opening Price Points well executed and Messaged In-Store -Build solid working relationships with UK -Report on Key Actions to remain Price Competitive -Conduct PIR and analyse sales to develop Annual Business Plan -Actively champion agreed stores and organise SWOT and visit programme -Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Range, Category and Line -Define and Manage Allocation Blueprint -Define and Manage Replenishment Strategy by Type of Product/ Market -Build strong relationships with M&S Operations Team, VM Team and Marketing Team -Report on Key Missed Opportunities -Sign Off every Catalogue and continuous review with Trading -Plan appropriate Space for each Department/ Range in each Store -Understand and engage with swiftly changing market conditions -Conduct Seasonal Comp Shops -Manage BU WSSI -Engage in Market Visits -Identify Business Opportunities to increase Sales and Margin -Support Lead Category Manager in Developing BU Strategy

Requirements

• bachelor's
• 8 years
• excel
• people management
• retail buying
• attention detail

What You Bring

-Authoritative Product Statements on Hero Product -Bachelor’s degree in commerce or equivalent -Highly Numerate -Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands -Able to handle Complexity -Strong track record of People Management -Appropriate and timely liaison with UK -Product Confident -Minimum 8 Years’ Experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising -Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills -Cultural Awareness -Kids wear with Middle East Experience preferred -Appropriate Colour Balance through robust analysis and action -Work to SMART Objectives, understand Strategic direction of travel and communicate tirelessly -Confident Product Selection and Range Balancing -Good Communicator -Clear IBO Strategy -Good working knowledge of Excel and key Microsoft Applications -Attention to Detail -Detailed knowledge of BU, Markets operated in and Key Competitors -Education to Degree level or equivalent -Passion and product knowledge and love of M&S brand and heritage -Collaborative Style -Effective Markdown Management -Sufficient Volume on Key OPP’S

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Benefits

-Plan appropriate e-Commerce Buy -Weekly Team Meeting and Actions -Opportunity Buys to Support Marketing Strategy

About Al-Futtaim

-Born in the 1930s as a family venture in Dubai, it evolved into a regional powerhouse across 18 countries. -It built a portfolio spanning automotive, retail, real estate, finance, health, and education divisions. -Real estate highlights include Dubai Festival City, mixed-use developments, and logistics hubs. -Financial services include insurance, broking, and consumer financing across the region. -Health segment delivers modern clinics and patient-centric care solutions. -Education arm partners with global institutions, supports Arabic excellence, and collaborates with NASA challenges. -The narrative includes pioneering projects like hydrogen fuel stations and AI-driven retail innovation.

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