Spinneys, the UAE’s leading premium food retailer, is looking for a team player, with a 'can-do' attitude, an eye for detail and able to apply their skills in a prompt & practical manner as BUYER

POSITION SUMMARY

The Commercial Buyer is responsible for the strategic selection, procurement, and management of a specific product category or range of products for retail sale. This role involves in-depth market research, vendor negotiation, inventory planning, and collaboration with various internal teams to ensure product availability, competitive pricing, and alignment with company sales and profit objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of retail trends, exceptional negotiation skills, and a keen eye for product potential.

ORGANIZATIONAL FIT

This person reports directly to the COMMERCIAL MANAGER.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Product Selection & Sourcing:
  o    Identify and research new product opportunities, market trends, and consumer demands within assigned categories.
  o    Source new suppliers and manufacturers globally, ensuring adherence to quality, ethical, and sustainability standards.
  o    Attend trade shows, exhibitions, and supplier meetings to identify innovative products and build strong vendor relationships.
  o    Evaluate product samples, specifications, and pricing to determine suitability for the target market.
  o    Develop and maintain a diverse and appealing product assortment that meets customer needs and company objectives.
• Negotiation & Vendor Management:
  o    Lead negotiations with suppliers on pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, minimum order quantities, and exclusivity agreements to secure the best possible terms for the company.
  o    Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers.
  o    Monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon terms and quality standards.
  o    Resolve any supplier-related issues, such as quality discrepancies or delivery delays.
• Inventory & Financial Management:
  o    Develop and manage buying budgets, ensuring adherence to financial targets and profitability goals.
  o    Forecast sales and demand for assigned products, working closely with planning and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels.
  o    Monitor stock levels, identify slow-moving or overstocked items, and implement strategies for clearance or markdown.
  o    Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to make informed buying decisions and adjust strategies as needed.
  o    Manage product lifecycle from introduction to discontinuation.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  o    Work cross-functionally with Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, E-commerce, and Store Operations teams to ensure successful product launches and promotions.
  o    Provide product knowledge and training to sales and store staff.
  o    Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders regarding product performance, market insights, and buying strategies.
  o    Participate in merchandising meetings and contribute to overall category strategy development.
• Market Analysis & Trend Spotting:
  o    Continuously monitor competitor activities, pricing strategies, and product offerings.
  o    Stay abreast of industry trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies relevant to assigned categories.
  o    Conduct market research to identify opportunities for differentiation and competitive advantage.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Buyer, Assistant Buyer, or in a similar commercial role within a retail environment.
• Proven track record of successful product selection, negotiation, and achieving sales/profit targets.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, supply chain management, and inventory control.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and experience with retail management software (e.g., ERP systems, inventory management platforms).
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel as required for supplier visits and trade shows.
• Passion for retail and a genuine interest in product development and trends.
• Commercially astute with a strong business acumen.
• Proactive and results-oriented.
• Adaptable and able to respond quickly to changing market conditions.
• Creative thinker with an innovative approach to product sourcing.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply now and submit your application via the Spinneys Career Portal.
Spinneys is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company and offers a competitive salary and benefit package for this role.

All applications must please be submitted via the portal and will close on Wednesday – 18th June 2025.
Any applications after this date will not be considered.