Sr. Merchandiser (Buying & Planning) | Retail | UAE

Job Requisition ID: 182301 

About Al-Futtaim
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations.

Overview of the Role

The Senior Merchandiser is responsible for driving Sales, Gross Margin, and Inventory Performance across assigned categories. The role is accountable for delivering key commercial KPIs including Sales, Margin, Markdown Management, and Stock Optimization. The Senior Merchandiser leads Merchandise Planning, Open-to-Buy (OTB), Assortment Planning, Range Architecture, and Product Selection while supporting category growth and team development. This role works cross-functionally with Buying, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, and Brand Partners to ensure commercial success and a customer-focused product offer.

What You Will Do: -

BUSINESS PLANNING & DELIVERY OF KEY KPIs

Sales & Profitability

• Conduct post-season and in-season performance reviews to evaluate trading performance and identify opportunities.
• Analyze sales, margin, stock, and market trends to develop annual business plans.
• Support category strategy development aligned to business objectives.
• Identify opportunities to drive sales growth, improve profitability, and optimize inventory productivity.
• Monitor and deliver key financial targets including sales, gross margin, markdown cost, and stock turn.

Margin Management

• Maintain detailed understanding of category performance, customer trends, competitive landscape, and market dynamics.
• Manage category WSSI (Weekly Sales Stock and Intake) plans.
• Drive profitability through effective pricing, inventory controls, and markdown management.
• Ensure healthy inventory levels while maximizing full-price sell-through.

SALES & OPEN-TO-BUY (OTB) PLANNING

• Develop sales, margin, and stock plans by category, department, and product line.
• Create store and regional plans based on trading patterns and customer demand.
• Optimize space allocation across stores to support business priorities.
• Manage OTB budgets and inventory investments by category.
• Balance seasonal fashion buys with core continuity ranges.
• Support omnichannel and e-commerce assortment planning to maximize online sales performance.

RANGE & ASSORTMENT PLANNING

• Develop assortment plans that support customer demand and business objectives.
• Manage core range architecture to maximize availability and continuity business.
• Define size profiles and assortment strategies by market and store cluster.
• Deliver a balanced Good-Better-Best pricing structure.
• Ensure adequate depth on key volume-driving products.
• Optimize assortment through analysis of color, style, trend, and customer preferences.
• Build compelling product stories and category statements around key fashion trends and hero products.

PRODUCT SELECTION & RANGE REVIEW

• Prepare thoroughly for seasonal buying sessions and range reviews.
• Collaborate closely with buying teams and suppliers to build commercially relevant assortments.
• Develop and execute an effective Initial Buy Offer (IBO) strategy.
• Make confident product and assortment decisions based on data, trends, and customer insight.
• Review product performance continuously and adjust plans where required.
• Support marketing initiatives through strategic product selections and opportunity buys.
• Manage spend within agreed budgets.
• Drive category margin optimization through effective assortment and pricing decisions.

TRADING & INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

• Lead regular trading reviews and action planning meetings.
• Communicate key trading priorities and initiatives to stores and stakeholders.
• Define and manage allocation strategies to ensure optimal stock placement.
• Develop replenishment strategies tailored to product life cycles and market needs.
• Execute promotional plans and seasonal trading activities.
• Ensure key value messages and opening price points are effectively represented.
• Drive proactive markdown planning and stock clearance activities.
• Monitor stock health and take corrective actions to minimize inventory risks.

MARKET & CUSTOMER INSIGHTS

• Conduct regular competitor reviews and benchmark analysis.
• Monitor market trends, fashion developments, and customer buying behavior.
• Identify pricing opportunities and risks within the category.
• Report key learnings, opportunities, and recommendations to leadership teams.
• Participate in market visits and store reviews to gain customer and operational insight.
• Stay informed of emerging fashion trends and evolving consumer preferences.
• Support digital transformation initiatives with clear understanding of omnichannel customer journeys.

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Develop strong working relationships across Buying, Planning, Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Visual Merchandising.
• Partner closely with stores to understand customer needs and improve execution.
• Build collaborative relationships with suppliers and brand partners.
• Influence stakeholders through commercial insight, analysis, and strategic recommendations.

LEADING PEOPLE

• Set clear performance objectives aligned to business strategy.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to maximize capability and engagement.
• Build succession plans and support talent development initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Lead through strong communication, accountability, and role-model behaviors.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation within the merchandising function.

Required Skills to Be Successful

• Strong passion for fashion retail and customer trends.
• Commercially minded with strong business acumen.
• Excellent analytical and numerical capabilities.
• Advanced merchandise planning and inventory management skills.
• Strong understanding of assortment planning and range architecture.
• Ability to manage complexity and work in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Proven people management and coaching experience.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Good understanding of omnichannel retailing and digital commerce.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and retail planning systems.
• Experience using ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JDA, Blue Yonder, or similar retail platforms is advantageous.
• Regional or international fashion retail experience preferred.

What Equips You for the Role

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Commerce, Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in Fashion Merchandising, Merchandise Planning, or Buying.
• Proven track record of delivering sales, margin, and inventory targets.
• Experience within a multi-store, omnichannel fashion retail environment.
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, assortment planning, and inventory optimization.
• Experience working with international fashion brands and suppliers is preferred.
• Previous leadership experience managing and developing merchandising teams.
• Exposure to regional or international retail markets would be advantageous.

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