The Opportunity
WHSmith is one of the UK’s favourite retailers specialising in Books, News, Stationery and Convenience. We are also a truly international business with stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East
As part of our International expansion, we are developing an exciting new format in Qatar and as a result we are looking for an experienced Retail Buyer to join our business to develop the customer offering within Arabic Markets in Books, News & Magazines and General Merchandise. Reporting to the General Manager for the Qatar operation, you will manage performance and trading activities across these categories to deliver maximum sales & profitability.
Accountabilities
• Develop, monitor and deliver the annual sales and contribution budget in line with Company budgets.
• To place stock orders in line with forecasted demand and maximum forward stock holding requirements.
• Analyse and report on budget variances as necessary.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate to deliver reduction in cost of goods sold, first to market, supplier income and effective supply chain and cost management.
• Determine the customer offer and brief in-store look
• Select and develop profitable new lines with robust sales forecast and exit strategy.
• Generate and deliver profitable product and promotional strategies in line with the overall strategy.
• Lead and develop innovative range marketing plans by working closely with suppliers to deliver impactful new product in store launches. For example Qatar Foundation book signings.
• Ensure the product offer meets quality standards
• To manage the product launches taking into consideration the lead time for shipping and censorship.
• To manage the books and magazines censorship approval process.
• To directly manage the Purchase clerk (all new line admin and Navision product and supplier data) and Junior buyer.
• Manage promotions within category and carry out financial pre and post promotional evaluation.
• Liaising with relevant WHSmith supply chain coordinator in London to ensure stock arrives on time with appropriate shipping documentation.
• Keep up to date of market trends, customer requirements and competitor activity and identify market opportunities with particular focus on books and stationery categories.
Requirements of the Role
* Experience at a similar level (Buyer) either internally or externally - Necessary
* Strong commercial skills and market interpretation- Necessary
* Engaging and influential communication - Necessary
* Excellent negotiation skills - Necessary
* Understanding of P & L management - Necessary
* High level Numeracy - Necessary
* Degree Educated or equivalent - Necessary
* Experience of Books buying - Desirable
* Fluency in Arabic- Desirable
Job Details
| Date Posted: | 2013-01-30 |
| Job Location: | Doha, Qatar |
| Job Role: | Purchasing/Procurement |
| Company Industry: | Retail/Wholesale; FMCG; Publishing |
| Joining Date: | 2013-11-01 |
Preferred Candidate
| Career Level: | Management |
| Degree: | Bachelor's degree / higher diploma |
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