A Leading Children retail store chain in the Middle East has the following job in Kuwait

a. Develop Annual Buying Plan (only for Manager).

b. Layout/ Merchandising.

c.Markdown/ Profit Plan.

d. Negotiation and Buying.

e. Seasonal and Event Merchandising.

f. Management of Buyers and associated staff (only for Manager).

1. To develop the financial plan and the assortment plan for the whole year for all categories.

2. To determine long & short-term goals and establish a buying strategy under advice from Operations Manager for achieving goals related to assigned categories of merchandise.

3. To manage daily workflow of Co-Buyers to ensure prompt completion of assigned work. To coordinate and develop a buying strategy for the department and lead a team of buyers to achieve defined objectives

4. To attend International Toy Fairs, meet with the vendors and to actively involve in the product selection process to meet the category-wise targets. Will also be directly responsible for certain categories in addition to leading the buying team.

5. Will play a key role to meet sales and gross margin plans.

6. With the help of buying team, to monitor market competition & trends closely and to ensure unique product mix and price parity for similar items. Also to visit competitors to research product, pricing and merchandise presentation strategies. To maintain a high level product awareness to keep up-to-date on new products, lines, categories, new technologies and retailing concepts.

7. Also to ensure that the product mix is in conformance with customer demand. Should be in contact with the customers thro’ showroom sales team to keep track of customer demands.

8. To develop collaborative vendor relationships and negotiates terms that fits within financial parameters and to maintain productive relationship with vendors to ensure optimal pricing & long term continuity of supply and service for various merchandise categories.

9. To work in conjunction with the Store Manager and ensure that merchandise reach stores with maximum efficiency and customer satisfaction.

10. To work with the Visual Merchandising & Space Management team and ensure proper planograms & adjacencies that support departmental plans and store capabilities.

11. To maintain required inventory levels and achieve category sales targets. To keep track of non & slow moving inventories and formulate appropriate programs to clear them in a timely manner.

· Bachelor’s degree preferably with MBA

· 4-6-8 years of buying experience out of which last 2-3 years should be in a professional retail environment.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

· Ability to cope up with hectic travel schedule

· Proficiency in computer applications, particularly in MS Excel & Word. Exposure to database management environment will be an added advantage

· Strong analytical as well as arithmetical skills

· Ability to multitask and establish priorities

· Strong personality and leadership skills. Should be at ease to meet with vendors from all over the world, particularly from USA, Europe and Far East.