Miral Experiences
Job Description
The Category Manager will own the full category assortment and development plan for all new Farah retail projects from concept through to opening.
To produce product mood boards and full category plans for all potential Farah projects at the initial design stage.
To support with the design, creation, and opening assortment for all new Farah Experience retail projects
Responsible for assessing the product assortment, inventory levels and supplier base by category.
To work to agreed budgets including open-to-buy, cost of goods, freight and GP margins across each of the business units and deliver these against expectations.
To ensure pre-opening ranges are delivered on time and against plan for all new Farah retail projects.
In order to be considered for the role you must be able to:
- Own the full category assortment and development plan for all new Farah retail projects from concept through to opening.
- To develop new and innovative products to support the on-park guest experience
- To ensure a robust process to manage category and range planning is adhered to. In order to ensure the optimal stock vs. sales mix by location
- To maintain the product hierarchy thus ensuring effective reporting and categorization
- To ensure buy quantities and stock levels are in line with expectations and the agreed open to buy budgets.
- To estimate and anticipate future buying needs of the company
- To Identify customer preferences and forecast consumer trends
- To discover and purchase new products, ensuring our product assortment is both innovative and first to market.
- To check the quality and popularity of items already within our assortment and make recommendations as necessary.
- To source, develop and purchase the right products as per the requirements of the company and in line with seasonal visitor volumes.
- To attend trade shows, events, fairs and exhibitions in order to remain up to date with market trends.
- To develop and introduce new bespoke merchandise to cater for the strategic business model of the BU’s.
- To c ontinuously monitor market demand and supply and m onitor stock levels. Ensure all buying plans are within budget
- To create reports on sales, budgets and customer satisfaction. Use business insight to adjust the buying strategy as appropriate. Ensure pricing strategies are implemented.
- To work in partnership with other shared service functions in order to evaluate supplier options, prices, quality etc.
- To negotiate trading agreements in order to achieve the best terms for the company
- To forge and maintain trust relationships with suppliers to promote fair dealing.
- To ensure a robust follow up of the buying critical path is delivered and there is a process in place to update the buying status of all product ranges
- To check and verify all the required specifications of purchased products through a robust test, audit and compliance process.
- To ensure a process is in place to manage terminal lines and aged inventory
- To work in collaboration with relevant IP holders and partners
- To monitor business performance and partner with Operations to adjust plan as needed to meet objectives
- To actively demonstrate a strong personal commitment to the business vision. To shows an entrepreneurial mindset that helps the organization evolve, innovate, and remain as leading edge and effective as possible.
- To conduct colleague performance appraisals in a timely, fair and constructive manner in order to promote their personal and career growth.
- To Perform other reasonable duties as requested by senior management.
You must also have:
- Higher secondary or equivalent
- Minimum of 5 years buying experience.
- Experience in sourcing, developing and delivering product that not only meets the company’s requirements, but also maintains brand standards to the IP owner
- Possess a fundamental understanding of retail theories and standards, product design and packaging, product sourcing and delivery, contract negotiation, product inventory control, product display, and product pricing and sales
- Proficiency in writing, speaking, and understanding the English language
- Ability to monitor and identify problems proactively. Understanding of how best to utilize all resources available to quickly and effectively solve problems as they occur and with a strong sense of urgency.
- Stays current on new retail trends, technologies, and processes emerging in the industry and proactively works to develop new products and services that will improve profits through increased operational efficiency and/or improved guest satisfaction
- Negotiation skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Multitasking skills – Ability to work in a fast paced, fun, and busy environment managing multiple deadlines
- Knowledge on department budgeting, P&L, and open-to-buy development
- Knowledge and understanding of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, POS systems, retail inventory control and finance software
- Adaptability, comfortable with change in a fast-paced environment
To apply for this job please visit enpk.fa.em8.oraclecloud.com.