Buyer – Women’s Ready-to-Wear (Luxury fashion)

We are recruiting a Buyer – Women’s Ready-to-Wear for an internationally recognised luxury fashion Maison, based within its regional team in Dubai.The role will take responsibility for helping shape the Women’s Ready-to-Wear offer across the region, ensuring each store has the right assortment for its market and client base while delivering against the commercial objectives of the business.This is very much a product-focused position. We’re looking for someone who understands fashion and collections, but who is equally comfortable analysing performance and making commercial decisions around what to buy, how much to buy and where the product should sit.The Buyer will work closely with the regional merchandising and retail teams throughout the full buying cycle, from preparing seasonal budgets and analysing previous collections through to buying sessions, assortment building and following performance in-season.Key ResponsibilitiesBuying & AssortmentManage seasonal buying across the Women’s Ready-to-Wear category.Build assortments according to individual store profiles, markets and client demand.Prepare for seasonal buying sessions using historical sales, current trading performance and feedback from the stores.Determine the appropriate product mix across categories, styles, colours, sizes and price points.Balance seasonal newness and statement pieces with proven commercial products and established bestsellers.Identify opportunities to develop specific categories based on client demand and store performance.Ensure the assortment reflects differences between markets rather than taking a single approach across the region.Work closely with international and regional teams throughout the buying process.Commercial PlanningManage seasonal budgets and Open-to-Buy within the Women’s Ready-to-Wear category.Analyse previous season performance to support future buying decisions.Review sales, sell-through, stock levels, stock turn and margin throughout the season.Monitor performance against budget and identify opportunities or potential risks early.Recommend changes to quantities, product mix and stock positioning based on actual trading.Provide regular analysis and clear commercial recommendations to the wider business.In-Season TradingThe responsibility doesn't finish once the seasonal buy is complete. You will follow the collection closely once it reaches the stores and react to how clients are actually buying.This will include:Monitoring performance by store, product, style, colour, size and price point.Identifying bestsellers and opportunities to maximise additional sales.Reviewing slower-moving products and recommending appropriate action.Working with merchandising teams on replenishment, transfers and stock rebalancing.Identifying assortment gaps and missed commercial opportunities.Ensuring important products are positioned in the right stores.Supporting markdown and end-of-season activity where required.Stores & ClientsUnderstanding the stores and their clients will be an important part of the position.You will maintain close contact with Store Directors and retail teams, spending time in the boutiques and understanding how Women’s Ready-to-Wear performs at store level.This will involve:Gathering feedback on product, fit, sizing, colour, price and client preferences.Understanding differences in buying behaviour between markets and stores.Developing a strong understanding of local, international and VIP clientele.Using client and store feedback to influence future seasonal buys.Supporting stores with product and commercial insight.Identifying changes in client demand and translating these into future buying decisions.Product & MarketMaintain a strong understanding of the regional luxury fashion market.Follow developments within Women’s Ready-to-Wear and the wider luxury sector.Understand the competitive landscape and changes in regional client behaviour.Identify emerging product and commercial opportunities.Develop a detailed understanding of how different markets within the region respond to the collection.Present product performance, market feedback and recommendations to regional stakeholders.Working Across the BusinessThe Buyer will work closely with teams across:MerchandisingRetailStore ManagementVisual MerchandisingSupply Chain and LogisticsFinanceMarketing and Client DevelopmentInternational buying and product teamsYou will also support key launches, events and important commercial periods, ensuring the appropriate product is available in the right stores.Candidate ProfileWe are looking for someone with a solid background in fashion buying or merchandising, ideally with direct experience within Women’s Ready-to-Wear.You should be genuinely interested in product and understand the commercial thinking behind building a successful collection for different stores and different types of clients.You could already be working as a Buyer, or currently be a Junior Buyer, Assistant Buyer, Senior Assistant Buyer or Merchandiser with meaningful involvement in seasonal buying and ready to take on greater ownership.Experience & SkillsPrevious buying or merchandising experience within fashion.Women’s Ready-to-Wear experience strongly preferred.Experience working with seasonal collections and buying cycles.Strong understanding of assortment building and product selection.Experience with OTB, seasonal budgets and commercial planning.Good understanding of retail KPIs including sales, sell-through, margin, stock turn and inventory.Strong analytical ability and confidence working with detailed product and sales information.Commercially minded with a genuine understanding of fashion and product.Able to combine data with feedback from stores and clients when making decisions.Strong Excel skills.Comfortable working with senior retail and regional stakeholders.Previous luxury fashion experience would be highly relevant, although strong candidates from established international fashion brands will also be considered.Middle East experience would be beneficial but is not essential.