Job Scope
The Head of Buying is responsible to set the strategy and lead the buying activities aiming to upgrade the brand mix and increase the gross margin growth while positioning ABC as a leader in the market.
Drive the buying financial performances in alignment with the strategic business directions while leading and empowering the team for optimal performance.

Key Activities and Responsibilities
Brand Attraction and Buying Strategy
· Develop and drive the buying strategy in alignment with the company’s vision and key priorities
· Seize potential brands opportunities aiming to increase and sustain gross margin and ultimate profitability
· Spot, target and establish new brands to upgrade the brand mix, attract new clientele and maximize the company’s value
· Conduct market research analysis for business development positioning ABC as a leader in the market
· Negotiate to secure best buying terms and ensure exclusivities for the sales turnover and margin plans
· Manage the buying activities related to the assortment plan, pricing list, discount process, gross margin, sell-out, P&L, Return to Vendor, etc. and ensure smooth running of operations
· Monitor the market evolution and competitor activities for the purpose of effective business development
· Drive the development and execution of the policies and procedures, identify potential risks, initiate corrective actions and system enhancements

Budget & Analysis
· Set the yearly budget, perform critical forecast analysis, identify potential risks and raise recommendations
· Oversee the budget and forecast processes to ensure correlation with company’s strategy and set plan
· Drive the financial KPIs to meet strategic business goals and to ensure alignment with the yearly budget
· Monitor and analyze the P&L and sales figures, identify loopholes and propose tactical actions for future growth

Talent Development
· Act as a role model while demonstrating the core values of the company
· Lead the team towards driving service and profitability
· Coach the team, develop capabilities and secure a solid succession plan
· Develop capabilities and secure a solid succession plan
· Conduct regular performance reviews, identify training needs and oversee development plans

Stakeholder Relationship
· Conduct store site visits and develop strong working relationships with the sales team while providing proper guidance and exchanging feedback on collection
· Strengthen partnerships with suppliers to serve ABC’s best interest and to gain the best deals
2 / 3
· Build strong relationship with internal stakeholders to ensure continuous cooperation for ideal results
· Maintain ongoing coordination with the Visual Merchandising team regarding relevant strategies to secure the stores’ image
· Coordinate continuously with the Marketing team on relevant strategy and activities related to events, promotions and communication
· Review and authorize contracts in coordination with the legal department and ascertain that suppliers fully comply with ABC standards, rules and regulations

Others
· Ensure compliance with authority matrix, code of conduct and HR policies; ensure that employees fully comply with ABC standards, rules and regulations
· Stay abreast on the latest developments and best practices in the field
· Perform other job-related duties as assigned based on business needs.

Competencies
· Explicitly interact and skillfully negotiate to deliver clear and well-organized information and to come up with the best outcome possible - Communication & Interaction
· Initiate and drive organizational changes, increase awareness on the benefits of the changes and create a work environment that encourages acceptance, creative thinking and innovation - Flexibility & Adaptability
· Establish long term partnership with key customers and direct a culture that facilitates exceptional customer service - Customer Centricity
· Take full responsibility for creating and maintaining a team environment that supports collaborative behaviors and recognition of team contributions. Act as a model of co-operative behavior - Teamwork & Cooperation
· Take full responsibility for own decisions, behaviors and actions. Address ethical considerations when making business decisions. Hold self and others accountable for keeping commitments and measurable high-quality and cost-effective results - Accountability
· Manage conflicts, attempt to resolve the disagreement while maintaining positive working relationships and defining possible resolutions to compromise and to build agreement – Manage Conflicts
· Empower, encourage and inspire team towards achieving the department’s goals. Create an environment of clarity, enthusiasm and transparency about performance, expectations and a desire to excel. Act as a role model demonstrating the core values of the company - Lead Team
· Analyze the departments’ strength, opportunities and treats, develop objectives and lo