Junior Buyer

Job description / Role

Employment: Full Time

About us

Our brands include Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols, Armani, Gym Shark, and The White Company, to name just a few!

About the role

The Junior Buyer ensures proper management of their brand relationships and is responsible for the end-to-end product process.

The Junior Buyer who has strong buying background with non-clothing, like strollers, car seats, kids furniture, etc. The role would be for Mamas and Papas across stores and e-com in the GCC region.

What you'll be doing

Strategic roles and responsibilities:

• Develops a detailed understanding of their department and the market trends for the category. Works closely with their Buyer/line manager to clearly define the product strategy and operates in collaboration with the principal brand(s) to execute this via the right assortment.
• Takes on board store team and customer feedback in order to range build the assortment for their particular category.
• Regularly presents and updates VP buying/Head of buying along with the Buyer with performance insights and analysis. Reacts quickly to feedback and requests from senior management.

Functional roles and responsibilities:

• Research and sourcing, industry trends and approaches new brands or product areas to include within the portfolio.
• Maintain regular communication with suppliers as applicable. Assist with the efficient ordering, delivery, and payment of merchandise to reduce the likelihood of queries and problems.
• To assist the Buyer to research and select from home and abroad, the best quality merchandise suppliers have to offer at the best price to maximize sales and profit margins. In conjunction with the Buyer to control the selection of merchandise for the sales within the agreed markdown and to reach the agreed stock level.
• Place re-orders as applicable in consultation with buyers and communicate relevant information to all relevant parties in planning and supply chain.
• Maintain accurate database of vendor agreements and forward completed vendor agreements to Merchandise Planning.
• Consolidate buying feedback reports and provide buyers with reports and recommendations per brand portfolio.

People management roles and responsibilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the outcomes of others. Promotes a sense of urgency and establishes and enforces individual accountability in the team. Works with people to establish explicit performance standards. Is completely on top of what is going on and knows where things stand. Provides balanced feedback at the most critical times.
• Proactively develops relationships with a wide variety of people. Builds immediate rapport, even when facing difficult or tense situations. Understands interpersonal and group dynamics and reacts in an effective manner. Engages input from others constantly and listens with empathy and concern.
• Readily distinguishes between what's relevant and what's unimportant to make sense of complex situations. Looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answers. Analyzes multiple and diverse sources of information to define problems accurately before moving to solutions.
• Delivers messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner. Articulates messages in a way that is broadly understandable. Adjusts communication content and style to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Takes consistent action to develop new skills. Finds ways to apply strengths to new issues. Is aware of the skills needed to be successful in different situations and levels. Seeks assignments that stretch him/her beyond comfort zone.
• Decisively makes high-quality decisions, even when based on incomplete information or in the face of uncertainty. Actively seeks input from pertinent sources to make timely and well-informed decisions. Skillfully separates opinions from facts. Is respected by others for displaying superior judgment.

About you

The ideal candidate should have the below qualifications, skills, capabilities, and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
• Qualification in retailing or retail management, purchase, sales, or related programs.
• Minimum of 5+ years in buying and merchandising role, out of which 3 years in babywear and/or kidswear with non-clothing category.
• Strong buying background into multi babywear and/or kidswear brands with non-clothing category experience is a must.
• Working knowledge and buying expertise with non-clothing, like strollers, car seats, kids furniture, etc. is a must.
• Relevant experience in buying and supplies, gained within the retail industry.
• Deep understanding and professional experience with purchasing contracts.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent negotiation, customer service, and consulting skills.
• Strong market knowledge on trends and experience in working across various functions, businesses, and GCC regions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing market dynamics.
• Knowledge in MicroStrategy is preferable.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Building strong relations with internal and external stakeholders, for example, vendor/brand relationship management.
• Ability to source and conduct product research.
• System knowledge and PO management.
• Strong analytical, leadership skills, and strategic thinking.
• Good business acumen and results driven.
• Ability to work independently and possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Possesses a proactive and adaptable approach to work.
• Enthusiastic about the retail industry and keen to further develop buying skills.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills ability.

About the Company

Established in 1979, Al Tayer Group is a privately-held, diversified company with operations in 12 countries in the Middle East and beyond. With over 7,800 employees from 95 different nationalities, the Group has its headquarters in Dubai, UAE.

The Group operates over 180 stores across multiple markets in the Middle East. In addition, Al Tayer Group has investments in commercial real estate, contracting, supply chain management, precision tools manufacturing and travel agency services.

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