Planner Merchandiser / Commercial Trading Manager | Retail | Marks & Spencer | KSA

Job Requisition ID: 160223 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Overview of the role:

Buyer/ Commercial Trading Manager is responsible for driving Sales and Cash Margin of the BU and is accountable for achieving the Key Business KPI’s of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost and Closing Stock. He/she manages Space and OTB Planning plus Product Selection, is responsible for Direct report Management and supporting the Lead Category Manager with Team Development. He/she will develop cross-functional relationships and run the day to day communication with the Principal Brand.

What you will do:-

Description of Accountability:

BUSINESS PLAN AND DELIVERY OF KEY KPI’s

• Conduct PIR and analyse sales to develop Annual Business Plan
• Support Lead Category Manager in Developing BU Strategy
• Identify Business Opportunities to increase Sales and Margin

 Cash Margin

• Detailed knowledge of BU, Markets operated in and Key Competitors
• Manage BU WSSI

SALES AND OTB PLANNING

• Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Range, Category and Line
• Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Store and Region
• Plan appropriate Space for each Department/ Range in each Store
• Plan appropriate OTB and Options by T Department/ Range
• Cut OTB: Core v Fashion
• Plan appropriate e-Commerce Buy

RANGE DETAIL PLANNING

• Management of Core Template to drive Core Availability
• Size Cut Strategy by Department/ Market
• Appropriate Good/ Better/ Best Offer through price analysis
• Sufficient Volume on Key OPP’S
• Appropriate Colour Balance through robust analysis and action
• Authoritative Product Statements on Hero Product

PRODUCT SELECTION

• Detailed Preparation for UK Buying Fairs
• Appropriate and timely liaison with UK
• Clear IBO Strategy
• Confident Product Selection and Range Balancing
• Sign Off every Catalogue and continuous review with Trading
• Opportunity Buys to Support Marketing Strategy
• Spend Control
• Margin Optimization

TRADE

• Weekly Team Meeting and Actions
• Weekly Store Communication (GM Action News)
• Define and Manage Allocation Blueprint
• Define and Manage Replenishment Strategy by Type of Product/ Market
• Implement Robust Promotional Calendar
• Ensure Opening Price Points well executed and Messaged In-Store
• Effective Markdown Management

MARKET AWARENESS

• Conduct Seasonal Comp Shops
• Report on Key Actions to remain Price Competitive
• Report on Key Missed Opportunities
• Actively champion agreed stores and organise SWOT and visit programme
• Engage in Market Visits
• Understand and engage with swiftly changing market conditions
• Embrace Digital transition with clear understanding of Customer journey

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Build Good Relationships with Merchandising Colleagues within M&S
• Build strong relationships with M&S Operations Team, VM Team and Marketing Team
• Build solid working relationships with UK

LEADING PEOPLE

• Work to SMART Objectives, understand Strategic direction of travel and communicate tirelessly
• Provide coaching for development and ensure succession within the team working with HRBP on Talent Management

• Role model Al-Futtaim Way Behaviours and  M&S Values

Required Skills to be successful:

• Interpersonal Skills.
• Problem analysis and problem-solving
• Technical knowledge

• Delighting Our Customers
• Collaboration 
• Managing Complexity 

• Influencing Others
• Taking Initiative
• Drive for Results
• Engaging Leadership
• Developing Talent

What equips you for the role:

• Bachelor Degree (Masters Preferred)
• 8+ years’ experience in Minimum 8 Years’ Experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands.
• Passion and product knowledge and love of M&S brand and heritage
• A Confident Manager
• Able to handle Complexity
• Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Highly Numerate
• Product Confident
• Good Communicator
• Collaborative Style
• Optimistic Attitude
• Works at Pace with an Impatience to get things Done
• Strong track record of People Management
• Cultural Awareness
• Womenswear or Middle East Experience preferred
• Graduate or Graduate Caliber
• Good working knowledge of Excel and key Microsoft Applications
• Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage

About Al-Futtaim Retail

Al-Futtaim Retail has established itself as one of the leaders in Retail across the Middle East, Africa & Asia over the past 30 years. We have developed partnerships with some of the biggest and most respected Brands in the world including IKEA, ACE and Toys R Us in the Middle East and the Inditex Group of Brands (Zara, Mango, Bershka and P&B) across Asia. We are also one of the largest Global partners of Marks and Spencer’s in both regions with over 75 stores offering both fashion & food options.
 
Most recently we have been responsible for bringing brands to the Middle East for the first time with the exciting launches of Watsons and B&Q and we aim to continue to be agile and adaptive to our markets with new launches and further development. For this to be possible we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds who will continue to challenge and develop our diverse workforce which includes over 100 nationalities across 12 countries. Join us today and make a difference…