Apparel Group is seeking an experienced Buyer to drive effective brand positioning and strategic product selection. The role involves planning category assortments, managing vendor relationships, overseeing store product displays, and ensuring achievement of gross margin and sell-through targets. The Buyer will analyze market trends, monitor stock levels, and provide actionable insights to optimize product performance across all stores.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Range:

• Support brand strategies by understanding customer profiles and market positioning.

• Plan category assortments based on historical data, market trends, and future potential.

• Establish seasonal purchase strategies with the planning team using data-driven insights.

• Grade stores by format and country to tailor product mixes for high-end and value-driven locations.

• Develop procurement strategies for seasonal sales grounded in product performance history.

• Create pricing plans using perceptual pricing and market benchmarking.

• Coordinate direct procurement with brand principals.

Order Management:

• Raise purchase orders according to the buying plan to ensure on-time deliveries per SLAs.

• Monitor in-transit inventory for smooth supply chain operations from supplier to warehouse.

Vendor Management:

• Establish and maintain long-term relationships with suppliers to ensure fair deals.

• Ensure on-time product delivery and compliance with purchase contracts.

Store Management:

• Visit stores to check product displays and understand performance of goods.

• Visit competitor stores to benchmark and gather insights.

• Monitor stock levels, weeks of cover, and plan purchases within budget.

• Coach store staff to collect product and customer feedback to drive growth.

Competition Knowledge:

• Stay updated on local and global markets, industry trends, and competitor activities.

Key KPIs:

Quantitative:

• Gross margin target

• Sell-through target

• Exclusive and NOS business

• Week of cover for categories

• Stock ageing and stock turn

• Trend/buy presentation

• Product training

Qualitative:

• Understanding of market trends

• Ability to grasp business requirements

• Influence brands to customize requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Retail Management, or related field.

• 4–8 years of relevant retail buying experience.

• Proficient in MS Excel and PowerPoint.

• Strong knowledge of product strategy, vendor management, assortment planning, and trend analysis.

• Experience in market research, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.

Job Type: Full-time

Job Location: United Arab Emirates