Summary
Al-Futtaim is seeking a Senior Merchandiser for M&S womenswear planning in the UAE. The role covers business planning and sales, cash margin, markdown and stock KPIs, as well as OTB, space and product selection. The successful candidate will manage and develop a team and work with M&S and cross-functional stakeholders on trading, allocation and replenishment. Applicants should have at least eight years of fashion planning and merchandising experience, a graduate-level background, and strong Excel skills; SAP knowledge is an advantage.
The posting
As published on alfuttaim.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Job Requisition ID: 182301
About Al-Futtaim
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations.
Overview of the role:
Senior Merchandiser is responsible for the BU Strategy to drive Sales and Cash Margin and is accountable for achieving the Key Business KPI’s of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost and Closing Stock. He/she controls Space and OTB Planning plus Product Selection. Senior Merchandiser is responsible for Team Management and Team Development ensuring high energy and engagement whilst building and maintaining effective Cross-Functional relationships, including those with the Host Brand.
What you will do:-
Description of Accountability:
BUSINESS PLAN AND DELIVERY OF KEY KPI’s
- Formulate Annual Business Plan
- Constantly search for Business Opportunities to increase Sales and
Cash Margin
- Detailed knowledge of BU, Markets operated in and Key Competitor’s
- Manage BU WSSI
SALES AND OTB PLANNING
- Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Department/ Range
- Plan appropriate Sales/ Cash Margin by Store
- Plan appropriate Space for each Department/ Range in each Store
- Plan appropriate OTB and Options by T Department/ Range
- Cut OTB: Core v Fashion Flow v Fashion
- Plan appropriate e-Commerce Buy
RANGE DETAIL PLANNING
- Management of Core Template to drive Core Availability
- Size Cut Strategy by Department/ Market
- Appropriate Good/ Better/ Best Offer
- Sufficient Volume on Key OPP’S
PRODUCT SELECTION
- Detailed Preparation for UK Buying Fairs
- Clear IBO Strategy
- Sign Off every Catalogue
- Opportunity Buys to Support Marketing Strategy
- Spend Control
- Margin Optimization
TRADE
- Weekly Team Meeting and Actions
- Weekly Store Communication (GM Action News)
- Define and Manage Allocation Blueprint
- Define and Manage Replenishment Strategy by Type of Product/ Market
- Implement Robust Promotional Calendar
- Implement 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 Missed Opportunities
- Conduct Quarterly SWOT with Store Champions
- Engage in Market Visits
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
- Build Good Relationships with Senior Merchandiser 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
- Engage team with relevant Objectives, inclusion in the
‘Bigger Picture’ plus continued Feedback and
Development Opportunities
- 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
Required Skills to be successful:
- A Confident Leader
- Able to handle Complexity
- Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Highly Numerate
- Product Confident
- Good Communicator
- Collaborative Style
- Optimistic Attitude
- Works at Pace with an Impatience to get things Done
- Strong track record of People Management
- Cultural Awareness
- Womenswear or Middle East Experience preferred
- Graduate or Graduate Calibre
- Good working knowledge of Excel
- Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage
What equips you for the role:
- Graduate (Masters Preferred)
- Minimum 8 Years’ Experience in Fashion Planning and Merchandising
- Good Communications skills
- Excellent in Microsoft Excel
We’re here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.
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