Category Buyer / Sr Category Buyer - Buying & Merchandising (FMCG)

Job Purpose:

Assist the Buying Manager in planning, sourcing, and executing strategies for FMCG categories such as food, non-food, and perishables. The role focuses on optimizing product selection, implementing effective promotions, negotiating with vendors, and developing pricing strategies to increase sales, profits, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute merchandise buying plans in alignment with category strategy and sales targets.
• Source, negotiate trading terms, cost prices, rebates, and supplier income to optimize margins.
• Design and implement monthly promotional activities, seasonal campaigns, and mega events with a focus on driving sales uplift and incremental margins.
• Manage product assortment, range planning, and replenishment for assigned categories, ensuring availability and freshness.
• Optimize purchase costs, track category margins, and drive supplier display and other income through effective negotiation.
• Review and analyse sales performance, inventory levels, stock aging, and stock turns; recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, oversee supplier performance, and ensure compliance with contractual terms.
• Coordinate with Warehouse, Marketing, and Store Operations for campaign execution.
• Ensure pricing compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards and ensure adherence to food safety, quality, and local regulations.
• Prepare category performance reports and business insights.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s in business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in FMCG buying and merchandising, preferably within the UAE retail or supermarket sector.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and commercial acumen.
• Advanced Excel and retail systems proficiency; knowledge of the UAE retail market is essential.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Category sales & margin growth %
• Supplier income & cost savings achieved
• Stock turnover & availability rates
• Promotion effectiveness (ROI, uplift%)
• Supplier compliance & contract performance

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

• Specify the notice period required
• How much is your expected salary?

Experience:

• FMCG buying and merchandising: 4 years (Required)