Ref: LP180-242 My client is a leading luxury fashion retail group in the UAE.
Position: Junior Buyer
Reports to: Buyer and Fashion & Buying Director
Department: Buying Department
Key Facts & Figures:
To ensure efficient management of operations in the store to achieve maximum output and profitability in all functions.
Ensure proper use of resources and deliver the highest levels of customer service.
Work within a current team of 5 within the department.
Immediate support to the UAE region with possible international support with company expansion plans.
Key Accountabilities:
• Select and purchase an attractive / appropriate selection of apparel from manufacturers, designers and/or wholesalers for retail stores by using fashion style sense, knowledge of fashion trends and understanding of targeted customers' desires.
• Regularly review, maintain and understand customers' buying behavior as a guide to successful purchases.
• Compare performance indicators against sales to analyze consumer buying patterns and predict future trends.
• Identify key trends in the market, specifically related to buying activities and define any relevance to the organization in adopting and/or applying new trends.
• Manage stock levels in conjunction with shop personnel, proactively anticipating any changes to demands or logistics and implementing follow-up, re-orders and actions as required.
• Review and maintain relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers for future products.
• Negotiate effectively with suppliers to maximize the product sales, profit margin and ensure delivery within budget.
• Report any necessary sell-through information to suppliers.
• Work closely with Store Managers to highlight key development areas and outline action plans with Directors.
• Attend Trade Fairs to select and assemble a new collection of products.
• Participate in promotional activities where necessary.
• Coordinate Fashion Shows when requested.
• Construct and implement the supplier and range buying schedules to maximize sales and profit margins.
• Manage the pricing plan for the product range in line with corporate guidelines.
• Contribute to budgeting and planning inventory in conjunction with Fashion & Buying Director.
• Study, analyze and further develop the company buying strategy in conjunction with the Fashion & Buying Director.
• Coordinate and support communication between Buying and Marketing Departments.
• Develop and implement preferred standard operating practices, systems and quality standards.
• Administer and maintain management processes and report weekly (or as directed) on sales forecasts, sales analysis and any other activities, highlights, issues and/or results.
• Maintain suppliers’ contact list and update other departments accordingly.
• Define and report to CEO any new initiatives that are relevant and promote organizational growth through buying activities.
• Manage and coach the Assistant Buyers and support staff.
• Assist operational teams in supplier contract negotiation and implementation, ensuring suppliers deliver to the requirements set.
• Continually seek opportunities, often in conjunction with suppliers, to reduce overall costs and improve processes in the supply chain.
Experience & Qualifications
-Ideally educated to degree level relevant and/or adaptable to the practices of retail operations management.
-Proven extensive experience within the retail luxury fashion management field.
-Minimum of 3 years – ideally as Asst Manager, Store Manager or Asst Buyer for luxury brands. This will have been gained within medium to large organization(s).
-A good understanding of general trends and associated practices within the industry.
PC literacy – the ability to use Microsoft office with minimum intermediate skills.
Due to overwhelming client demand, SQ Computer Personnel opened a branch in the UAE in 2007 which we called SQ Gulf. Over the last 7 successful years we have carved out a strong and credible reputation in the UAE as a recruiter of choice. We work in partnership with a number of large multi-national and regional organisations as well as smaller, boutique companies. We aim to supply personnel on a sole agency basis which, in turn, provides you with a very attractive and cost effective, headache-free process.
SQ Gulf covers a wide range of vertical markets with in the MENA region. We have mirrored our UK successes by building a 360 degree, full life-cycle infrastructure and support strategy. We have an experienced team of account managers who are all well versed in their specific market vertical. We cover all levels of seniority and job titles. I myself, have over 13 years of professional recruiting experience, 5 of which have been in the UAE. As an agency, I strongly believe that SQ Gulf, with it's team of dedicated and experienced staff, are exceptionally well placed to provide a smooth, successful and cost-effective recruitment solution. We have an exceptionally large database of current candidates, from UAE Nationals to expats currently looking for new challenges in the region. |