Planner Merchandiser / Commercial Trading Manager | Retail | Marks & Spencer | KSA

Job Requisition ID: 160223 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 Arab 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 organization 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 dayOverview of the role:Buyer/ Commercial Trading Manager is responsible for driving Sales and Cash Margin of the BU and is accountable for achieving the Key Business KPI's of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost and Closing Stock. He/she manages Space and OTB Planning plus Product Selection, is responsible for Direct report Management and supporting the Lead Category Manager with Team Development. He/she will develop cross-functional relationships and run the day to day communication with the Principal Brand.What you will do:-Description of Accountability:BUSINESS PLAN AND DELIVERY OF KEY KPI'sConduct PIR and analyse sales to develop Annual Business PlanSupport Lead Category Manager in Developing BU StrategyIdentify Business Opportunities to increase Sales and MarginCash MarginDetailed knowledge of BU, Markets operated in and Key CompetitorsManage BU WSSISALES AND OTB PLANNINGPlan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Range, Category and LinePlan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Store and RegionPlan appropriate Space for each Department/ Range in each StorePlan appropriate OTB and Options by T Department/ RangeCut OTB: Core v FashionPlan appropriate e-Commerce BuyRANGE DETAIL PLANNINGManagement of Core Template to drive Core AvailabilitySize Cut Strategy by Department/ MarketAppropriate Good/ Better/ Best Offer through price analysisSufficient Volume on Key OPP'SAppropriate Colour Balance through robust analysis and actionAuthoritative Product Statements on Hero ProductPRODUCT SELECTIONDetailed Preparation for UK Buying FairsAppropriate and timely liaison with UKClear IBO StrategyConfident Product Selection and Range BalancingSign Off every Catalogue and continuous review with TradingOpportunity Buys to Support Marketing StrategySpend ControlMargin OptimizationTRADEWeekly Team Meeting and ActionsWeekly Store Communication (GM Action News)Define and Manage Allocation BlueprintDefine and Manage Replenishment Strategy by Type of Product/ MarketImplement Robust Promotional CalendarEnsure Opening Price Points well executed and Messaged In-StoreEffective Markdown Management MARKET AWARENESS Conduct Seasonal Comp ShopsReport on Key Actions to remain Price CompetitiveReport on Key Missed OpportunitiesActively champion agreed stores and organise SWOT and visit programmeEngage in Market VisitsUnderstand and engage with swiftly changing market conditionsEmbrace Digital transition with clear understanding of Customer journeySTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTBuild Good Relationships with Merchandising Colleagues within M&SBuild strong relationships with M&S Operations Team, VM Team and Marketing TeamBuild solid working relationships with UKLEADING PEOPLEWork to SMART Objectives, understand Strategic direction of travel and communicate tirelesslyProvide coaching for development and ensure succession within the team working with HRBP on Talent ManagementRole model Al-Futtaim Way Behaviours and M&S ValuesRequired Skills to be successful:Interpersonal Skills.Problem analysis and problem-solvingTechnical knowledgeDelighting Our Customers Collaboration Managing Complexity Influencing Others Taking InitiativeDrive for ResultsEngaging LeadershipDeveloping Talent What equips you for the role:Bachelor Degree (Masters Preferred) 8+ years' experience in Minimum 8 Years' Experience in Fashion Buying and MerchandisingExperience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands.Passion and product knowledge and love of M&S brand and heritageA Confident ManagerAble to handle ComplexityExcellent Planning and Organizing SkillsAttention to DetailHighly NumerateProduct ConfidentGood CommunicatorCollaborative StyleOptimistic AttitudeWorks at Pace with an Impatience to get things DoneStrong track record of People ManagementCultural AwarenessWomenswear or Middle East Experience preferredGraduate or Graduate Caliber Good working knowledge of Excel and key Microsoft ApplicationsKnowledge of SAP an additional advantageAbout Al-Futtaim RetailAl-Futtaim Retail has established itself as one of the leaders in Retail across the Middle East, Africa & Asia over the past 30 years. We have developed partnerships with some of the biggest and most respected Brands in the world including IKEA, ACE and Toys R Us in the Middle East and the Inditex Group of Brands (Zara, Mango, Bershka and P&B) across Asia. We are also one of the largest Global partners of Marks and Spencer's in both regions with over 75 stores offering both fashion & food options. Most recently we have been responsible for bringing brands to the Middle East for the first time with the exciting launches of Watsons and B&Q and we aim to continue to be agile and adaptive to our markets with new launches and further development. For this to be possible we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds who will continue to challenge and develop our diverse workforce which includes over 100 nationalities across 12 countries. Join us today and make a difference…