What you will do:-

Description of Accountability:

ALLOCATION PROCESS

• Manage accurate BTF setting
• Manage ratio balancing
• Guide and train allocators
• Manage and implement AI Allocation solution from Invent Analytics
• Liaise with stores to understand regional needs

BUSINESS REPORTS AND ANALYSIS

• Generate accurate and clear reports
• Maintain reporting process
• Generate promotion tracking
• Analyse weekly trade report and recommend action points
• Report and flag best/worst sellers, analyse customer habits and understand product choices
• Housekeeping of data
• Produce and Analyse seasonal sales and recommend future buying

CATALOGUE BUYING

• Assisting the Senior Merchandiser / Merchandiser in the Catalogue Buying process
• Maintaining Core Buying sheet to calculate correct buying quantities – implementing Demand Planning solution
• Data entry of buying quantities to IBT/Digital Range Building system
• Preparing planograms using DRB
• Using reporting to make meaningful comparisons against LY / Buying Budget/ Promotional calendar
• Active role in generating IBO ranges
• Awareness of the market and contribution to BU strategy
• Passion for the M&S Brand and appreciation of product

COMMUNICATION

• First point of contact for stores in the event of stock related issues
• Assist in weekly trade communications
• Contribute to planning for retail conference
• Understand transformation to digital mindset, ensure seamless journey for customer through product instore and online
• Provide clear and accurate information for all business users
• Good relationship with Principal
• Ensure product data and descriptions online are customer friendly

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

Skills

Required Skills to be successful:-

• Passion and product knowledge and love of M&S brand and heritage
• A Confident Team Player
• Able to handle Complexity
• Attention to Detail
• Highly Numerate
• Product Confident
• Good Communicator
• Optimistic Attitude
• Strong track record of People Management
• Cultural Awareness
• Graduate or Graduate Caliber
• Good working knowledge of Excel and key Microsoft Applications
• Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage

What equips you for the role:

• Bachelor Degree (Masters Preferred)
• 3-4 years’ experience inFashion Buying and Merchandising at AM or Allocator level
• Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands
• Delighting Our Customers
• Collaboration 
• Managing Complexity 
• Influencing Others
• Taking Initiative
• Drive for Results
• Engaging Leadership
• Developing Talent