Job Summary:
The Head of Buying will lead Hamleys buying strategy with a focus on bold, innovative thinking to ensure the brand stands out in the toy market. We are looking for someone who pushes boundaries to identify trends that capture the imagination of children and set Hamleys apart. This role demands a visionary approach to sourcing unique, engaging products that create excitement and a premium brand experience. The Head of Buying will build strong partnerships with vendors, optimize the supply chain, and work closely with marketing and operations to deliver a product assortment that not only meets but exceeds market expectations, ensuring Hamleys remains a trendsetter in the industry.
Main Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a creative and trend-focused buying strategy to set Hamleys apart in the premium toy sector.
- Identify emerging trends and new product lines that resonate with children and stay ahead of the competition.
- Build long-term, positive relationships with suppliers and negotiate contracts that consistently improve margin, payment terms, and rebates.
- Drive innovation by being first to market with new product releases and exclusive items.
- Lead the selection, sign-off, and allocation of products across stores and regions, ensuring a tailored and relevant assortment for each market.
- Conduct monthly market analysis (regional and global) to stay on top of trends and buying performance.
- Oversee the purchasing process and ensure alignment with the open-to-buy (OTB) budget.
- Collaborate with marketing and operations to align strategies and ensure effective execution of buying decisions.
- Implement improvement initiatives to streamline buying processes and ensure operational efficiency.
- Manage stock aging, returns, and credit notes to optimize inventory health.
- Performance manage the buying team, ensuring that all KPIs are met and exceeded
Qualifications:
- A strong understanding of global and regional toy market trends and customer preferences.
- A creative and forward-thinking mindset with the ability to differentiate Hamleys from competitors.
- Proven negotiation skills and the ability to foster long-term vendor relationships.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
- Proficiency in managing data and using technology to enhance buying strategies.
- Strong leadership and team management experience.
- Flexibility to travel as needed.
We offer upto AED 30,000 per month salary plus visa, medical insurance and annual air-ticket to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Priority will be given to immediate joiners.
