Assistant Merchandiser - Kids Wear

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 worlds 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:

The Assistant Merchandiser is responsible for supporting the Senior Merchandiser and

Merchandiser of the BU.

He/She will produce reports, analyse these and recommend actions.

He/she will assist with the planning and product selection of the BU catalogues and

categories.

He/she will also ensure that trackers and data files are updated and maintained,

and for managing the allocation process.

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

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

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.