Job Description: Senior Buyer – Footwear (International Brand)
Job Summary
The Senior Buyer – Footwear is responsible for planning, sourcing, and purchasing footwear collections for international brands. The role focuses on maximizing sales and profitability by selecting the right product assortment, negotiating with suppliers, managing inventory levels, and analyzing market trends to meet customer demand.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop seasonal buying plans aligned with business objectives and sales targets.
- Source and select footwear products from international brand partners and suppliers.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and supply agreements.
- Analyze sales performance, customer preferences, and market trends to optimize product selection.
- Plan product assortment, pricing strategies, and inventory levels.
- Monitor stock availability and coordinate replenishment to minimize stock shortages and excess inventory.
- Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, logistics, and store operations teams to ensure successful product launches.
- Manage supplier relationships and evaluate vendor performance.
- Forecast demand and prepare purchase orders based on sales data and business requirements.
- Ensure product quality, brand standards, and compliance with company policies.
- Prepare buying reports, sales analysis, and inventory performance reports for management.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, or a related field.
- 5–8 years of experience in footwear buying, retail merchandising, or category management, preferably with international brands.
- Strong understanding of footwear fashion trends, consumer behavior, and retail operations.
- Experience working with international suppliers and brand principals.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and retail merchandising software.
Skills
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Excellent analytical and forecasting abilities.
- Commercial awareness and business acumen.
- Inventory planning and stock management.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Time management and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with premium or international footwear brands.
- Knowledge of retail buying cycles and seasonal merchandise planning.
- Familiarity with inventory management systems and demand forecasting tools.
- Experience in the GCC retail market is an advantage.
