Head of Buying - Clothing and Home

• Range Detail Planning:
  

Defining and communicating the strategy for the Core Template to drive Core Availability.

Overseeing Core Stock, Fashion Newness, and controlled Markdown Spend.

• Product Selection:
  

Planning, managing, and leading the team for the UK Buying Fairs.

Implementing a strategic buying approach and optimizing market opportunities.

• Trade:
  

Guiding and leading the Senior Merchandising team in utilizing trade planning tools.

Ensuring effective communication and execution of promotional strategies.

• Market Awareness:
  

Establishing market awareness by monitoring competitor performance and trends.

Engaging in quarterly comp shops and market visits to drive a competitive price position.

• Stakeholder Engagement:
  

Building strong relationships with Finance, M&S Operations Team, VM Team, and Marketing Team.

Engaging with key stakeholders to drive BU objectives and conducting engaging seasonal briefs.

• Leading People:
  

Engaging the team with relevant objectives and providing continuous feedback and development opportunities.

Role modeling Al-Futtaim Way Behaviors and M&S Values, ensuring a high engagement score and succession plan.

Candidate Profile:

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum 10 years' experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising.
• Generalist retail experience in both clothing and home retail.
• Strong brand principles and collaboration skills.
• Experience in people succession planning.
• Understanding of customer market demographics.
  

Key Competencies and Soft Skills:

• Proven leadership and team management in a retail merchandising environment.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of achieving KPIs.
• Cultural alignment with Marks and Spencer's values.
• Ability to navigate commercial trading complexities.
  

Additional Requirements: Language proficiency, international experience, and cultural awareness are critical for the role. Previous experience with Marks and Spencer is a plus.