Junior Buyer | Retail | Toys R Us

Job Requisition ID: 166748 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A”rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Overview of the role
To execute strategies that maximise the Buying business for GCC and deliver profitable results and manage key business categories for growth. To manage 100+ international & Local vendors establishing merchandise strategies and negotiating lower cost prices. To manage a team who will select merchandise based on trend, place orders and remain involved in inventory distribution for assigned categories. Research new trends or advances in product lines to make appropriate buying decisions. Partner with cross functional team members to develop key concepts and items, promotional strategies and assortments that are brand appropriate. Influence the product development process, financial planning and visual merchandising and marketing strategies.

What you will do

• With the Buying Manager (BM) set the yearly buying budgets for all assigned categories. Develop the overall strategy and merchandise direction in support of the total company direction.
• Direct buyers to develop assortments that support the needs of the customer and the financial objectives .Work with the buyers to strengthen market relationships and knowledge of market trend, competitor’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Ensure that pricing, promotional strategies, and marketing support the financial objectives buying categories.  
• Work with the Operations Manager, Visual Merchandising Manager & Logistics Manager to develop by-store assortment plans that support overall strategy of in-stock positioning for key merchandise categories, classifications, items and vendors.
• Work with internal teams (Marketing Manager/ Visual Merchandising Manager/ Store Manager/ Accounts Department), supporting services (Warehouse, Logistics) to promote timely communication and cooperation between stores  and resources on various business activities/developments(promotions, sale planning and store openings).
• Manage, coach and develop the buying team.    

Required skills to be successful 

• Strategic planning and analytical skills. Influencing and negotiating skills. 
• Highly organized and ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities    
• Strong communication skills, confident decision maker, leadership skills and strategic thinker. Ability to lead, develop and motivate.

What equips you for the role

• Education: BBA (Business Management or Buying) - SAP Knowledge is essential.
• Minimum Experience and Knowledge:  Minimum 2-3 years merchandising experience
• Knowledge of the local market – preferable                        

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.