Al Futtaim Jobs - Lead Category Manager -Clothe & Home | Marks & Spencer | Dubai,UAE (Dubai, AE)

Job Requisition ID: 101046 

No two days are the same at Al-Futtaim, no matter what role you have. Our work is driven by the desire to make a difference and to have a meaningful impact with the goal of enriching everyday lives. Take our engaging and supportive work environment and couple it with a company culture that recognises and rewards quality performance, and what do you get? The chance to push the limits every single day.

 

As a humble family business that started on the banks of the Dubai Creek in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim has expanded to a presence in 31 countries, a portfolio of over 200 companies, and 42,000 employees. You’ll find us in industries ranging from automotive and retail, to finance and real estate, and connecting people with international names like Lexus, Ikea, and Adidas. Our team is proudly multicultural and multinational because that kind of diverse representation gives us the global mindset to grow and impact the people, markets, and trends around us.

 

Come join us to live well, work better, and be the best.

ABOUT THE JOB 

ROLE PURPOSE:
Lead Category Manager is responsible for clothing & home strategy to drive Sales and Cash Margin for their responsible business units. The role is accountable for achieving the Key Business KPI’s of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost and Closing Stock. He/she controls Space and OTB in partnership with Head of Planning. Lead Category Manager is responsible for Product Selection, Team Management and Team Development, ensuring high energy and engagement whilst building and maintaining effective and proactive Cross-Functional relationships, including those with the Principal.

 

KEY ROLE SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

BUSINESS PLAN AND DELIVERY OF KEY KPI’s
•    Formulate Annual Business Plan and BU Strategy for 2 or more BU’s
•    Constantly search for Business Opportunities to increase Sales and Profitability
Cash Margin
•    Detailed knowledge of BU’s, Markets operated in and Key Competitors
•    Manage BU WSSI
SALES AND OTB PLANNING
•    Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Department and Range
•    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
•    Distribute 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
•    Sufficient Volume on Key OPP’S
•    Appropriate Colour Balance
•    Authoritative Product Statements on Hero Product
PRODUCT SELECTION
•    Detailed Preparation for UK Buying Fairs
•    Appropriate and timely challenge to UK where required
•    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
•    Implement robust Innovations Communication
•    Ensure Opening Price Points well executed and Messaged In-Store
•    Effective Markdown Management – controlling Shop in Shop
•    Statements but clearing Seasonal Lines

MARKET AWARENESS 
•    Conduct seasonal competitor shops
•    Engage in market visits and report on pricing and promotional activity
•    Recommend Key Actions to remain Price Competitive
•    Report on missed opportunities
•    Identify Store champions within team; manage feedback / actions
•    Understand and engage with swiftly changing market conditions
•    Driving transformation to digital mindset; seeking seamless journey for customer through product online and instore
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
•    Build strong Relationships with Lead Category Manager and Planning Colleagues within M&S
•    Develop working partnerships across VM, Customer Voice, Marketing, Store Ops and Digital teams
•    Build solid working relationships with UK
LEADING  PEOPLE
•    Engage team with smart Objectives, inclusion in the ‘Bigger Picture’ plus continuous Feedback   
•    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

 

ABOUT YOU: 

Education: Major in Business Management or equivalent 

Minimum Experience and Knowledge:  
•    Minimum 10 Years’ Experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising within an appropriate retail environment within Europe and/or Middle East. 
•    Experience within the Principal Brand would be advantageous
•    Knowledge of both own buy and franchise retailing an advantage

Job-Specific/Technical Skills required to complete the tasks:
•    Affinity, appreciation and passion for the M&S product and brand heritage
•    A Confident Leader
•    Able to handle Complexity
•    Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills
•    Attention to Detail
•    Highly Numerate
•    Good Communicator
•    Collaborative Style with ability to problem solve
•    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

Behavioral Competencies
•    Delighting Our Customers 
•    Collaboration  
•    Managing Complexity  
•    Influencing Others 
•    Taking Initiative
•    Drive for Results
•    Engaging Leadership
•    Developing Talent 

Embrace the M&S Values: Inspiration, Innovation, In Touch and Integrity

We’re here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.

 

Before you click “apply”: Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

 

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