Retail Merchandising Senior Specialist

Job Overview:

The Retail Merchandising Senior Specialist is responsible for the creation, development, and execution of seasonal product assortments for Al Ahli’s retail/E-commerce business. The role ensures that products (both unbranded and with technical supplier) are developed in line with fan expectations, brand guidelines, design intent, cost targets, and commercial objectives, while ensuring on-time product flow and launches across stores and e‑commerce.

Key Responsibilities:

PRE‑SEASON PLANNING & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Create product briefs for seasonal collections, including product vision, fan target, price architecture, estimated costs and margins.
• Build seasonal assortment plans for: Unbranded collections (in alignment with brand guidelines) and match wear with technical supplier
• Develop and maintain line plans by category, gender, price point, and channel.
• Work closely with Design and Suppliers to Track product development milestones
• Ensure samples meet design, quality, and cost intent
• Validate target retail prices, costs, and margins in collaboration with Planning.
• Define buy quantities based on OTB in partnership with Planning.
• Ensure range balance, price ladders, and category roles are respected.
• Support coordination with technical supplier on range alignment, timelines, and approvals.

IN‑SEASON MANAGEMENT

• Monitor sell‑through, rate‑of‑sale, WOS, identify slow‑moving, aged, and over‑performing lines and implement corrective actions in a timely manner; action QR reorders where eligible.
• Partner with Planning to adjust forecasts, OTB based on actual performance and market trends.
• Collaborate with Retail and Marketing to support key trading moments, campaigns, launches, and peak periods.
• Ensure accuracy of product information, pricing, and availability across all channels during the season
• Capture in‑season learnings and consumer insights to inform future assortment planning and product development.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Retail Management, or related field.
• 4–7 years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, or category management
• Experience working in retail environments with stores and/or e-commerce channels .
• Background in apparel, sportswear, or lifestyle retail is preferred.
• Fluent in English and Arabic (written and spoken).

Skills:

• Solid understanding of OTB and buy quantity management .
• Strong product ownership from concept to launch, ensuring alignment on design, quality, cost, margin, and timelines.
• Analytical capability to monitor sell‑through, ROS, WOS, and identify performance risks and opportunities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in managing product and assortment information.
• Relevant experience in apparel, sportswear, or lifestyle retail.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.