Buyer

Role purpose

The Buyer will be responsible for planning the product mix, quality, quantity, and pricing of merchandise so it aligns with customer demand, market trends, store policies, and sell-through objectives. This role works closely with the Brand Manager/General Manager to make sure buying decisions stay within budget and support the brand’s commercial goals.

Core buying activities

• Execute purchasing activities in line with the brand’s buying strategy and plans.
• Build and maintain strong, profitable relationships with current suppliers while ensuring contract obligations are met.

Business strategy and assortment planning

• Shape seasonal strategies that support brand positioning and contribute to the Gross Margin Plan.
• Develop a focused assortment strategy and investment plan.
• Create supplier sourcing plans and manage the critical path so deliveries happen on time.
• Negotiate with new suppliers on pricing, payment terms, freight costs, training support, and participation in advertising and promotions before placing purchase orders.
• Manage OTB in coordination with the planning team.
• Support the seasonal business plan by tracking the critical path, assortment building, and product selection.
• Prepare and oversee the buying calendar.
• Work with Marketing and VM to create seasonal product focus plans that support key initiatives.
• Protect existing business while identifying and growing new categories.
• Run customer focus groups and competitive shopping exercises to inform decisions.

Performance, operations, and market monitoring

• Analyze weekly sales results by style, range, category, and business unit against the range plan, and take action during the season to improve production flow and sales performance.
• Manage TNA plans.
• Use the buying calendar to ensure timely seasonal analysis and range creation.
• Conduct regular competitor reviews to spot product gaps and apply learnings to future range plans.
• Oversee range structure and product hierarchy, and build the seasonal phasing plan.
• Own the seasonal product presentation, including influencing product choices, in-store VM direction, and layout planning as per guidelines.
• Stay updated on market movements and competitor activity.
• Coordinate product training for staff so they remain current on merchandise knowledge.
• Prepare trend training material and share it with business units on a regular basis.
• Review buying feedback reports and recommend buying actions to the General Manager for each brand or collection.

Additional information

This position is based in the United Arab Emirates and is a full-time, on-site role.