Buying Manager

Roles and responsibilities

My client is looking for an outstanding Head of Buying to lead their team in the Middle East.

• Manage high quality product buying

. • Influence & challenge OTB creation, managing how to spend OTB. • Analyze & interpret sales figures to make good business decisions.

• Take responsibility for gross margin, stock turn & sell thru. • Actively participate in buys, product selection, & quantifying orders.

• Present the buys to CEO.

• Work closely with marketing, vm & store teams, supply chain & e-commerce • Demonstrate awareness of trends, global market trends & competitors.

• Own supplier relationship communication

• Actively negotiate with suppliers on stock swaps, RTVs, markdown contribution.

• Develop Purchasing Strategy: Create and implement a comprehensive buying strategy aligned with the company's goals and market demands.
• Supplier Selection: Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiating contracts to secure the best deals.
• Inventory Oversight: Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with warehousing to ensure timely replenishment.
• Performance Tracking: Track and analyze purchasing performance, adjusting strategies based on data insights.
• Team Leadership: Manage and develop the buying team, setting objectives and conducting performance evaluations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments (e.g., marketing, finance, operations) to align procurement activities with overall business objectives.
• Risk Management: Assess potential risks in the supply chain and develop contingency plans to mitigate them.
• Market Research: Stay informed about market trends, pricing, and new product developments to inform buying decisions.
• Reporting: Prepare reports on purchasing activities, supplier performance, and market conditions for senior management.

Desired candidate profile

The Head of Buying oversees the purchasing strategy and operations for an organization, ensuring that products are procured effectively and efficiently. This role is critical in managing supplier relationships, optimizing inventory, and aligning buying practices with the overall business strategy. Here are the key skills and responsibilities associated with this position:

Skills

1. Strategic Sourcing: Expertise in developing and implementing sourcing strategies to maximize cost savings and quality.

2. Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and pricing from suppliers.

3. Market Analysis: Ability to analyze market trends and data to make informed purchasing decisions.

4. Vendor Management: Proficiency in building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.

5. Inventory Management: Understanding of inventory management principles to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize waste.

6. Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to assess purchasing data, performance metrics, and supplier performance.

7. Budgeting: Experience in managing budgets and financial planning related to procurement.

8. Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor a buying team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

9. Communication: Excellent communication skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams and presenting to senior management.

10. Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving abilities to address challenges in sourcing and supply chain management.