Buyer & Merchandise Planning Manager

DXB Perfume is the UK's leading distributor and retailer of premium Arabian fragrance brands. We hold exclusive UK distribution rights for globally recognised brands including Afnan Perfumes, Ajmal Perfumes, Swiss Arabian, Rayhaan and Gulf Orchid.

Our business operates across three core channels:

National and international distribution (B2B)

E-commerce across multiple online retailers and platforms

A growing network of DXB Perfume retail kiosks in major shopping centres

As our business continues to scale, we are hiring a Buyer & Merchandise Planning Manager to take ownership of purchasing strategy, inventory planning and product performance across the business.

This role is critical in ensuring the right products are available at the right time while maintaining efficient inventory levels and protecting working capital.

Role Overview

The Buyer & Merchandise Planning Manager will manage the full product lifecycle across the business from supplier purchasing and demand forecasting to inventory planning and SKU performance analysis.

You will work closely with brand partners in Dubai and UK suppliers to manage purchasing cycles, coordinate inbound supply and ensure strong stock availability across wholesale, retail and e-commerce channels.

This role requires strong analytical ability and confidence working with product performance data, sales trends and inventory planning.

Key Responsibilities

Buying & Supplier Management

Manage purchasing across all brands and product categories

Place purchase orders with brand partners in Dubai and UK suppliers

Maintain strong supplier relationships

Coordinate production timelines, shipping schedules and inbound deliveries

Negotiate pricing, order quantities and purchasing terms where applicable

Plan purchasing cycles based on sales forecasts and supplier lead times

Merchandise Planning & Inventory Management

Forecast stock requirements across wholesale, retail and e-commerce

Maintain optimal inventory levels to balance availability and working capital

Monitor stock turn, sell-through rates and inventory ageing

Manage replenishment cycles to avoid stockouts on core SKUs

Analyse product performance and adjust purchasing plans accordingly

Maintain accurate SKU management and product data across systems

Channel Stock Allocation

Ensure appropriate product availability across:

Wholesale and distribution customers

DXB Perfume retail kiosks

Online retailers and e-commerce platforms

International distribution partners

Allocate stock strategically based on sales velocity, margin and channel demand.

Product Performance & Range Management

Analyse sales performance by SKU, brand and channel

Identify high-performing products and expansion opportunities

Manage slow-moving stock through structured sell-through strategies

Support product launches and new range introductions

Optimise product assortment across all sales channels

Product Launch & Supply Coordination

Coordinate new product launches with brand partners

Plan launch inventory levels and channel allocation

Manage inbound logistics timelines with suppliers and freight partners

Ensure stock readiness for launches and marketing campaigns

Requirements

35+ years experience in buying, merchandising or merchandise planning

Strong analytical and commercial mindset

Experience managing inventory planning and forecasting

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

Experience working with international suppliers or import logistics is advantageous

Candidates must have hands-on experience forecasting demand and managing purchasing for a multi-SKU product catalogue.

Experience within fragrance, beauty, cosmetics or FMCG is preferred but not essential.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is commercially minded and comfortable managing both purchasing decisions and inventory planning in a fast-moving multi-channel retail and distribution environment.

You should enjoy working with data, analysing product performance and ensuring the business maintains the right product mix while protecting inventory efficiency.

This is a high-impact role where buying and merchandising decisions directly influence revenue, margin and stock performance across the business.