To plan, select and purchase appropriate quantities of goods and merchandise to be sold out of the various retail stores operated by the WS Division (FNAC) . Build strong relationships with suppliers of distinctive brands in order to source the best products, in the right quantities and on time.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify consumer buying patterns and key seasonal trends relevant to the market to forecast demand for the next period.
- Source, select and purchase appropriate branded merchandise, in a required time frame and in line with the company’s WS commercial strategy.
- Develop and update the buying calendar on a regular basis in line with the overall requirements of the Wholesale Division.
- Attend various trade fairs and events as per the defined schedule to select and assemble new collection of products.
- Meet with suppliers and negotiate the terms of contract.
- Maintain relationships with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers for future products.
- Proactively recommend initiatives to continuously improve product ranging.
- Liaise with the retail operations team to ensure that supply meets demand and to capture specific points from the shop floor.
- Ensure the merchandise direction, quantification and forecasting is in line with company financial objectives and budgets (including devising and adhering to range and option plans).
- Conduct presentation of post seasonal and mid seasonal reviews with the Category / Commercial Managers and the Head of Departments.
- Proactively conduct competitor analysis to ensure a competitive advantage.
- Perform any other duty, within a reasonable professional boundary, as assigned by the line manager from time to time.
Skills
- Charismatic with excellent communication skills
- Excellent influencing and negotiation skills
- Strong at building customer relationships
- Combination of hands-on operational knowledge with strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to anticipate and articulate future trends and consequences
- Commercially astute, identify and exploit commercial opportunities
- Experience in leading high-growth, high-uncertainty environments
- Sound problem solving and execution skills
- Ability to preserve confidentiality of information
- Arabic language skills are an added advantage