Buying Assistant Merchandiser - Kids wear | Retail | M&S | UAE

• The Assistant Merchandiser plays a crucial role in supporting the Senior Merchandiser and Merchandiser of the business unit. The role involves analytical responsibilities such as producing and analyzing reports to recommend actionable strategies, assisting in product selection and planning, and ensuring the effective updating and managing of data. This position requires strong collaboration skills to liaise with store teams, provide first-point-of-contact service for stock issues, and contribute to broader strategic planning for catalogues and product ranges. Success in this role is marked by the ability to maintain optimum stock levels and provide data-driven insights that enhance buying decisions.

Allocation Process

• Manage accurate BTF setting and ratio balancing.
• Guide and train allocators.
• Manage and implement AI Allocation solution from Invent Analytics.
• Liaise with stores to understand regional needs, ensuring optimum stock levels and correct size availability.
• Improve availability and sell through in stores.

Business Reports and Analysis

• Generate accurate and clear business reports.
• Maintain reporting processes and generate promotion tracking.
• Analyze weekly trade reports and recommend action points.
• Report and flag best/worst sellers, analyze customer habits, and understand product choices.
• Produce and analyze seasonal sales and recommend future buying decisions.

Catalogue Buying

• Assist Senior Merchandiser/Merchandiser in Catalogue Buying process.
• Maintain Core Buying sheet and implement Demand Planning solution.
• Enter buying quantities into IBT/Digital Range Building system.
• Prepare planograms using DRB and make comparisons against LY/Buying Budget/Promotional calendar.
• Contribute to BU strategy with market awareness and product appreciation.

Communication

• Act as first point of contact for stores on stock issues and assist in weekly trade communications.
• Contribute to planning for retail conference and digital transformation strategy.
• Provide accurate information for business users and ensure online product data is customer friendly.
• Maintain strong relationships with Principals and ensure comprehensive regional offers.

Leading People

• Communicate strategic objectives clearly and work to SMART goals.
• Provide coaching for team development and succession planning with HRBP.
• Role model Al-Futtaim Way Behaviours and M&S Values.
• Engage in quality PDR processes to ensure high team engagement and development.

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills.
• Capability to manage and train team members effectively.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in fashion buying and merchandising at the assistant or allocator level.
• Experience in a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe, with an understanding of UK/European brands.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and familiarity with SAP is an additional advantage.