Overview of the role:

Sr. Buyer Merchandiser is responsible for identifying & delivering a range appropriate to the region, whilst working with the UK to ensure product & pricing strategy are correct and relevant for the MENA region and there by achieve the Key Business KPI’s of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost and Closing Stock.

What you will do:-

Description of Accountability:

BUSINESS PLAN AND DELIVERY OF KEY KPI’s

• Continuously search for Business Opportunities to increase Sales and Cash Margin
• In depth knowledge of BU, Markets operated in and Key Competitor’s
• Recommends & produces analysis to make good forward planning decisions
• Maintains BU WSSI

SALES AND OTB PLANNING

• Assists & supports senior merchandiser with planning appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Department/Range/store
• Assists in planning appropriate Space for each Department/ Range in each Store
• Assists in planning appropriate OTB and Options by T Department/Range
• Cut OTB: Core v Fashion Flow v Fashion
• Assist in planning appropriate e-Commerce Buy

RANGE DETAIL PLANNING

• Management of Core Template to size level to drive Core Availability
• Size Cut analysis & recommendation by Department/ Market
• Plan 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
• Assist in developing a clear IBO Strategy
• Confident Product Selection and Range Balancing
• Ensure buys are in line with the shop visual plan strategy
• Opportunity Buys to Support Marketing Strategy
• Spend Control
• Margin Optimization
• Right balance of core & fashion

TRADE

• Attend weekly team meeting and suggest actions to drive business
• Prepare Weekly Store Communication (GM Action News)
• Manage Allocation Blueprint
• Manage Replenishment Strategy by Type of Product/ Market
• Recommend consolidations to the Senior merchandiser
• Assist in implementation of a robust Promotional Calendar
• Assist in implementation of a 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 Quarterly Comp Shops
• Report on Key Actions to remain Price Competitive
• Report on Key Missed Opportunities
• Assist in conducting Bi – annual SWOT with Store Champions
• Engage in store visits

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Build Good Relationships with colleagues within M&S
• Build good relationships with M&S Operations Team, VM Team and Marketing Team
• Build good working relationship with UK

LEADING PEOPLE

• Guide & train Assistant merchandiser & allocator to develop into the next role
• Be involved in appraisals

Skills

Required Skills to be successful:

• Interpersonal Skills.
• Problem analysis and problem-solving
• Delighting Our Customers
• Collaboration 
• Managing Complexity 
• Taking Initiative
• Drive for Results

What equips you for the role:

• Bachelor Degree (Masters Preferred)
• 5+ years’ experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands.
• Able to handle Complexity
• Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Highly Numerate
• Product Confident
• Good Communicator
• Optimistic Attitude
• Works at Pace with an Impatience to get things Done
• Cultural Awareness
• Womenswear or Middle East Experience preferred
• Graduate or Graduate Calibre
• Good working knowledge of Excel
• Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage