Divisional Merchandising Manager

Roles and responsibilities

Almarai is seeking a talented and experienced Divisional Merchandising Manager to manage and direct merchandising operations. The successful candidate will ensure Almarai's standards are met and project a positive image of the company across the entire region by implementing and maintaining Almarai's Merchandising policy with a well-trained merchandising team.
Merchandise Planning and Strategy:

Develop and execute the merchandise strategy for the division, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and customer needs.
Plan and allocate merchandise assortments based on market trends, sales data, and customer insights.
Work closely with the buying and product development teams to curate product assortments that align with seasonal trends and consumer preferences.
Product Selection and Procurement:

Oversee the selection and procurement of products for the division, ensuring a balanced assortment of products that meet the division’s sales goals and target customer profiles.
Negotiate with suppliers and vendors to secure the best pricing, terms, and product offerings.
Manage the division’s inventory, ensuring optimal stock levels to meet demand while minimizing overstock or stockouts.
Sales Performance Monitoring:

Monitor and analyze sales data, tracking product performance across various categories, channels, and regions.
Identify key trends, sales opportunities, and areas for improvement to maximize revenue and profitability.
Provide recommendations for pricing, promotions, and product placement to boost sales.
Pricing and Promotion Strategy:

Develop and implement pricing strategies for products within the division to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
Work with the marketing and promotions teams to plan and execute promotional activities, sales events, and discounts.
Analyze the effectiveness of pricing strategies and promotional campaigns, adjusting them as needed for optimal results.
Vendor and Supplier Management:

Establish and maintain strong relationships with key vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers.
Monitor vendor performance, ensuring that product deliveries are on time, meet quality standards, and align with pricing agreements.
Collaborate with vendors to develop exclusive products, special editions, or custom offerings to enhance the division's assortment.

Desired candidate profile

Bachelor’s Degree in Sales & Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.

Professional Experience required:

A minimum of 8 years of managerial experience in sales or merchandising.
Proven experience in key accounts merchandising.
Overall, 15 years of experience in sales or merchandising.

Competencies:

Creative & innovative thinking
Leadership skills
Planning & organizing
Good communication & interpersonal skills
Ability to provide timely feedback on competitors’ activities
Team building & leading
Technical Skills:

Strong understanding of retail merchandising principles, strategies, and techniques.
Proficiency in inventory management, sales forecasting, and demand planning software.
Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
Familiarity with financial tools for budgeting, pricing analysis, and cost control.
Soft Skills:

Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in managing teams and developing talent.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
Strong negotiation and persuasion skills to secure favorable terms with vendors and suppliers.
Creativity and innovation in developing product assortments and promotional strategies.
Behavioral Traits:

Results-oriented with a strong focus on driving sales and achieving financial targets.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic retail environment.