Al Futtaim Jobs - Senior Merchandiser | Fashion Mens Wear | Marks & Spencer | Dubai,UAE (Dubai, AE)

Job Requisition ID: 102082 

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.

ROLE PURPOSE:

Senior Merchandiser 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.

 

KEY ROLE SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:

 

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    •    On time buying in line with Buying Calendar to achieve agreed target launch dates
•    Plan and buy the catalogue using Digital Range Builder to enable clear visualisation and planning
•    Optimization of Market Opportunities
•    Spend within OTB Plan
•    Buy-in Margin as per Business Plan
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    •    Full understanding of Competitor Landscape
•    Benchmark and search for Opportunities
•    Establish pricing in line with MRP on Key Lines to drive Competitive Price Position
•    Physical Market Visits to identify Opportunities
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    •    Seek feedback from Field Teams
•    Engage with Key Stakeholders to drive BU Objectives
•    Formulate Seasonal Brief to Operations, VM and Marketing
•    Contribute to Workshops at Retail Conference
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

ABOUT YOU 

 

PERSON SPECIFIC:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in commerce or equivalent

Minimum Experience and Knowledge:  
•    Minimum 8 Years’ Experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising
•    Education to Degree level or equivalent
•    Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands

Job-Specific/Technical Skills required to complete the tasks:
•    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

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.

 

As part of our candidate experience promise, we also want to make ourselves available to you throughout the application process. We make every effort to review and respond to every application.

Apply Now