Manager Buying - Women's Intimates and Sleepwear

Company: Splash, Dubai
Role on hand: Manager Buying, Womenswear (intimates)

Reporting to: AGM Buying

Location: JAFZA, Dubai

Role Purpose

The Manager Buying Intimates (Womenswear) is responsible for developing and executing the buying strategy for the womenswear category. The role ensures the assortment, pricing, and product mix align with the brand strategy, customer needs, and financial targets to drive sales, margin, and inventory productivity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Buying Strategy & Range Planning

• Develop seasonal buying strategy for womenswear aligned with brand positioning and business targets.
• Create and manage category assortment plans including silhouettes, fabrics, colors, and price architecture.
• Work with Design, Planning, and Merchandising teams to develop commercially viable ranges.
• Define product mix and ensure the range meets customer expectations and market demand.

2. Trend & Market Analysis

• Analyze fashion trends, consumer behavior, competitor assortments, and market opportunities.
• Use sales performance data and customer insights to forecast demand and plan future buys.
• Attend fashion shows, supplier meetings, and trade fairs to stay updated on trends.

3. Supplier & Vendor Management

• Source and develop relationships with vendors and suppliers globally.
• Negotiate pricing, MOQ, delivery schedules, and payment terms to achieve target margins.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure product quality and compliance.

4. Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage the category Open-to-Buy (OTB) budget and seasonal buy plans.
• Ensure sales, margin, stock turn, and markdown targets are achieved.
• Monitor product performance and take actions on slow or fast-moving items.
• Drive profitability through effective price architecture and promotional planning.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Planning, Design, Sourcing, and Visual Merchandising teams.
• Align range planning with marketing and visual merchandising strategies to optimize in-store presentation.
• Support product launches, seasonal campaigns, and store expansions.

6. Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor Buyers / Assistant Buyers within the womenswear category.
• Ensure alignment with overall buying strategy and business objectives.
• Provide training and performance management for the buying team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or related field.
• 812 years experience in fashion retail buying (preferably womenswear).
• Experience in fast-fashion or high-volume retail environments.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and trend forecasting skills.
• Experience managing large vendor networks and international sourcing.

Key Skills

• Fashion trend forecasting
• Range planning & assortment building
• Financial planning (OTB, margins)
• Negotiation and vendor management
• Data analysis and retail KPIs
• Leadership and stakeholder management