Al-Futtaim Hiring for Assistant Brand Manager Job at Dubai Full Time

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world’s most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Overview of the role:

Ensures the achievement of all the tangible and intangible aspects of the Brand(s) handled. Ensures smooth interaction & healthy relations with principals. To achieve or exceed annual targets of NSV and GM and market share for the brand(s) via the various sale channels. Inputs to ensure satisfactory customer brand experience at Internal & External POS, provide promotional aids-to-sales, intensive interaction with sales personnel & to align with Principal & AFWJ strategy.

What you will do:-

Description of Accountability:

• Budgeting & Sales accountability

The JH plans the total seasonal purchase and guides the merchandisers by setting forward estimates for the different buying groups, considering several variables, such as selling space, trends, feedback from stores, etc. The JH attends buying fairs along with Merchandisers and ensures that the right products are selected in terms of ways, depth, etc. to generate maximum profit for the business. The JH is accountable for ensuring annual sales turnover and GM targets

• Product and stock Management

The JH regularly works on new market trends, design and collection development, merchandize planning for merchandize brands. Inventory management and timely stock liquidation minimising impact to profit.

• Buying Management

The JH regularly monitors the merchandise stock levels. He/she analyses various reports (plan vs actual, viability of a particular item, stock cover, store cover, etc), gauges the merchandise performance (identify best/low sellers, etc) and then suggests/implements corrective measures. Also needs to do Channel wise incentive schemes and promotions. Based on the above, the JH may request an increase or decrease of budgets. All to ensure optimum stock levels and minimum waste.

• Pricing and Margins Management

The JH evaluates the pricing of the merchandise prior to a season by doing a price simulation exercise, ensuring that the pricing delivers the margin target set. He/she does competition analysis and recommends price changes, when required so that they are in line with the market; all is done in order to achieve set targets.

• Principal Relationship

The JH regularly communicates with Principles, maintaining a good working relationship with them. He/she negotiates prices, delivery plans, lead times, etc. The JH provides feedback in terms of product suitability to the local markets, suggesting changes, alternatives and/or new specific products to be developed.

• Coordination Activities
  Coordinate with marketing & operations for execution of marketing and promotional activities.
  Coordinate with VM team for execution of visual merchandising activities and changes in display for each line
  Coordinate with retail operations team to understand customer preferences & buying behavior and new store openings
  Website and social media updates and reply to direct customer online queries.

Required Skills to be successful:-

• The Job Holder studies market trends, evaluates conditions, seeks feedbacks from sales team and forecast sales and Gross margins and recommends the same to Line Manager for annual budgeting.
• The JH develops marketing plans based on a detailed analytical study of the market, competitor brands, prices, strategies and develop marketing strategies. Recommends advertising promotional plans to the marketing manager and closely monitors implementation. Any change in strategy, if required, is immediately recommended for incorporation in budget reviews. The JH negotiates with principals for contribution to the advertising and promotional expenses. JH also provides sufficient POP materials and watch boxes.
• With inputs from the sales team, the JH selects and orders the best possible product mix offered by the principals in line with market trends and requirements. Also has to negotiate prices with principals to retain maximum GM and remain competitive in the market.
• Detailed analysis is undertaken of market requirements and competitors on pricing. Prices are estimated by ensuring that GM requirements as well as market requirements are met. Prices are negotiated with both the customers and principals to make maximum business and earn GM. Sales team are also consulted.
• Monitoring of stock movement is undertaking stock exports and stock ageing reports are taken. Corrective action according to the situation is taken to minimize dormancy and also ensure adequate model range at all times.
• Location visits are done and customers/dealers are visited. Feedback is taken from them about the products, strategies, competitors, etc. Moreover, sales on each location are closely monitored on a day to day basis and recommendations given to increase sales. Any new development in products is given to sales staff, and product knowledge is also given. Sales staffs are informed of advertising schedules, planned promotions and model availability.
• Regular feedback with respect to sales advertising, promotions, competitor activities are given to principals and management.

What equips you for the role:

• Bachelor Degree (Masters Preferred)
• 8-9 years’ experience in retail and sales management
• Degree holder specializing in Sales & Marketing or any related field. A business course in Merchandise Planning, Brand Management, Sales, Marketing and Promotions will be preferred.
• Computer Literate (MS Office applications). Expertise in Excel a must
• Report writing
• Proven ability to achieve goals.
• Thinking and Analytical Skills.
• Business Acumen
• Leadership Skills and Strategic Thinking
• Good communication skills
• Excellent relationship skills
• Accountability

About Al-Futtaim Retail

Al-Futtaim Retail has established itself as one of the leaders in Retail across the Middle East, Africa & Asia over the past 30 years. We have developed partnerships with some of the biggest and most respected Brands in the world including IKEA, ACE and Toys R Us in the Middle East and the Inditex Group of Brands (Zara, Mango, Bershka and P&B) across Asia. We are also one of the largest Global partners of Marks and Spencer’s in both regions with over 75 stores offering both fashion & food options.

Most recently we have been responsible for bringing brands to the Middle East for the first time with the exciting launches of Watsons and B&Q and we aim to continue to be agile and adaptive to our markets with new launches and further development. For this to be possible we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds who will continue to challenge and develop our diverse workforce which includes over 100 nationalities across 12 countries. Join us today and make a difference…