Assistant Buyer - Duty Free Zanzibar
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About the Role
** Role based in Dubai catering to Zanzibar Duty Free* About Us* Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR), part of the Emirates Group and Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI), operates an award-winning portfolio of restaurants, cafés, and retail concepts across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
Key Skills for This Role
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Overview
****Role based in Dubai catering to Zanzibar Duty Free****
About Us
Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR), part of the Emirates Group and Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI), operates an award-winning portfolio of restaurants, cafés, and retail concepts across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
In Zanzibar, ELR is proud to bring world-class hospitality and retail experiences to life at the new Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Terminal 3) through ZOMA – an innovative, locally inspired concept that blends food, beverage, retail, and duty-free shopping in one seamless journey.
ZOMA celebrates the vibrant culture, flavors, and craftsmanship of Zanzibar, creating a true “sense of place” for travelers from around the world.
Our team members play a key role in delivering this unforgettable experience – combining warm hospitality with global service standards.
Join us and be part of a pioneering hospitality story that connects local talent, international expertise, and the spirit of Zanzibar.
Job Purpose
The Assistant Buyer supports the Buyer & Merchandiser with the day-to-day buying and sourcing activities for duty free and retail operations, including international imports and local sourcing across multiple product categories.
The role helps support range growth, product availability, supplier coordination, and commercial execution in a manual and operationally intensive environment.
The role is based in the ELR Head Office in the United Arab Emirates, and works closely with suppliers from international markets, including Zanzibar from the outset.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in product selection and development based on trend analysis, sales data, and customer insights.
- Prepare and maintain buying plans, product information, range sheets, and contract documentation.
- Assist in executing buying plans and product selections across international import and local retail categories.
- Liaise with suppliers regarding product availability, lead times, order tracking, and contract administration
- Act as a day-to-day contact for local suppliers and support relationship management with international suppliers.
- Support supplier negotiations, promotional planning, and compliance with procurement policies and agreed terms
- Monitor and report on sales performance, stock levels, and market trends.
- Prepare weekly and monthly reports for the Buyer & Merchandiser and wider team.
- Support the Buyer & Merchandiser in ensuring products are properly presented in store and aligned to agreed brand standards.
- Maintain up-to-date supplier price lists and coordinate trade agreement revisions with the relevant internal stakeholders.
Required Experience, Skills & Qualification
- Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in retail buying support, supplier coordination, sourcing, or account management.
- Experience working with both international and local suppliers.
- Confidence in dealing with suppliers from the outset and ability to build effective working relationships.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work accurately in a manual, detail-heavy environment.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel.
- Ability to be based in United Arab Emirates with ability to travel to Zanzibar as required (anticipated once per quarter).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable Skills
- Retail experience, although specific duty free or industry experience is not essential.
- Experience supporting product launches, promotions, or in-store execution
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Why Join Us?
Join a team of experienced professionals who are experts in the industry.
We want to create memories and provide an exceptional experience to every customer on every visit.
That's why we're passionate about offering a wide variety of delicious and high-quality products.
We’re committed to sustainable practices, reducing our environmental impact, and giving back to the communities that we operate in.
We're committed to putting our people first by creating a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected
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