Executive Buying (Toys/Retail)

Overview

Position Overview

1. Strategic Buying & Procurement

• Develop comprehensive buying strategies aligned with business objectives and market opportunities
• Create annual and seasonal buying plans based on sales forecasts and inventory analysis
• Identify emerging market trends and consumer preferences in toys and retail sectors
• Manage category economics and product assortment optimization
• Conduct competitive analysis and market intelligence gathering
• Recommend product mix adjustments based on performance metrics and customer demand.

2. Supplier & Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers and manufacturers
• Negotiate contracts, terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with vendors
• Establish and maintain long-term strategic relationships with key suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs (quality, delivery, cost)
• Conduct supplier audits and quality assessments
• Manage supplier escalations and resolve issues proactively
• Develop vendor scorecards and conduct regular business reviews

3. Cost Optimization & Margin Management

• Identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising quality
• Negotiate volume discounts, promotional terms, and payment conditions
• Implement cost-saving initiatives and track ROI
• Analyze landed costs and total cost of ownership
• Manage promotional calendars and markdown strategies
• Monitor gross margin performance against targets
• Implement value engineering and product improvement initiatives

4. Inventory & Demand Planning

• Collaborate with demand planning teams on inventory forecasting
• Optimize stock levels to balance availability and inventory carrying costs
• Manage seasonal buying and peak demand periods
• Monitor stock turnover rates and identify slow-moving inventory
• Implement strategies to reduce excess stock and obsolescence
• Analyze sales velocity and adjust replenishment accordingly

5. Product Development & Merchandising

• Partner with merchandising teams on product selection and sourcing
• Support private label and exclusive product development initiatives
• Review product specifications, quality standards, and packaging requirements
• Coordinate with product development for cost-effective sourcing solutions
• Evaluate new product opportunities and market launches
• Ensure products meet regulatory and compliance requirements

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Collaborate with Operations on logistics, warehousing, and distribution
• Partner with Sales & Marketing to understand customer preferences and trends
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance on product testing and compliance
• Liaise with Legal on contract reviews and compliance matters
• Communicate regularly with store/retail managers on product availability

7. Systems & Data Management

• Utilize buying systems, ERP, and inventory management software
• Generate and analyze buying reports and performance dashboards
• Track KPIs including inventory turnover, margins, and supplier metrics
• Maintain accurate product databases and supplier information
• Implement process improvements and automation where possible
• Create documentation and standard operating procedures

8. Market & Competitive Intelligence

• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and market dynamics
• Attend trade shows, supplier events, and industry conferences
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and compliance requirements
• Identify growth opportunities in emerging categories
• Analyze consumer behavior and purchasing patterns
• Report insights and recommendations to senior management

9. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor buying team members (if applicable)
• Conduct training on buying processes and best practices
• Delegate tasks and manage workload distribution
• Foster collaborative and high-performance team culture
• Provide performance feedback and development guidance
• Represent the buying function in cross-departmental meetings

10. Special Projects & Initiatives

• Lead category resets and product portfolio reviews
• Support expansion into new product categories or markets
• Drive sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives
• Participate in company-wide strategic projects
• Support store launches or expansion initiatives
• Contribute to continuous improvement programs

Essential Experience

• Minimum
• 5+ years
• of buying experience in

Retail Sector

• Direct experience managing product categories with P&L responsibility.
• Proven track record of successful negotiations and cost reduction achievements.
• Experience managing suppliers and vendor relationships.
• Familiarity with seasonal buying patterns and demand forecasting.
• Exposure to inventory management and supply chain operations.
• Preferred Experience:..
• Experience in multi-category buying environments
• Exposure to both local and international sourcing.
• Background in retail buying (department stores, specialty retail, or e-commerce).
• Experience with private label product development.
• Knowledge of GCC/UAE retail market dynamics.
• Experience in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) or merchandise categories.
• Exposure to sales analytics and inventory management systems.