Country Buying Specialist

Job PurposeThe Country Buying Specialist supports and coordinates local buying activities, ensuring strong commercial performance and alignment with Central Buying strategies and guidelines.The role oversees local buying execution, monitors category and market performance, supports the buying team, and acts as a key link between the country and Central Buying.Key ResponsibilitiesBuying Operations & Commercial ExecutionCoordinate day-to-day buying activities across the local market.Ensure adherence to OTB plans, buying calendars, assortment strategies, and commercial guidelines.Review local assortment recommendations and support buying decisions based on market performance.Coordinate with Central Buying on local requirements, priorities, and commercial opportunities.Commercial PerformanceMonitor revenue, sell-through, stock cover, margin, and overall category performance.Identify best- and underperforming products and recommend appropriate commercial actions.Support country P&L performance reviews with clear analysis and recommendations.Recommend local pricing and promotional actions within agreed commercial guidelines.Proactively identify commercial risks and opportunities.Central Buying AlignmentEnsure local buying decisions are aligned with central range, pricing, and brand guidelines.Coordinate approval requests for local market exceptions.Translate central commercial strategies into clear local execution plans.Represent local market requirements and insights in discussions with Central Buying.Team Coordination & DevelopmentSupport and coordinate Country Buyers and Assistant Country Buyers.Provide guidance on commercial priorities, buying discipline, and market intelligence.Support team performance reviews and development needs.Promote strong collaboration between the local team and Central Buying.Vendor & Market IntelligenceMonitor local vendor performance and maintain strong supplier relationships.Identify potential local vendors and commercial opportunities.Track competitor activity, market trends, pricing, and customer preferences.Consolidate market insights and provide actionable recommendations to Central Buying.Qualifications & ExperienceEducationBachelor's degree in Business, Retail, Commerce, Supply Chain, or a related field.Experience3–5 years of experience in Buying, Category Management, Merchandising, or a related commercial role.Experience within retail, e-commerce, gifting, beauty, fashion, FMCG, or a similar consumer-focused industry is preferred.Previous experience coordinating or supporting a buying team is an advantage.SkillsStrong understanding of buying and category performance.Experience with OTB, assortment planning, pricing, and promotional activities.Ability to analyse sales, margin, sell-through, and stock performance.Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.Good understanding of local market and competitor trends.Strong Excel and analytical skills.Key AttributesCommercially minded and data-driven.Strong market awareness and customer understanding.Organised with strong coordination skills.Confident working with multiple stakeholders.Able to translate market insights into commercial actions.About Floward :Floward Life PageFloward CorporateFounded in 2017, Floward is an online flowers and gifting company; we pride ourselves in creating a seamless experience for our customers and making sending flowers and gifts as enjoyable as receiving them. We source our flowers daily from the best growers and farmers around the world to create one of a kind stunning arrangements and plants that fit every occasion. We also partner with local and international brands to offer a wide range of gifts including chocolate, perfumes, cakes and more, coupled with our arrangements to create the perfect gift. Operating in 36 cities in nine countries across the MENA region and UK, we guarantee same-day delivery across the board through our own refrigerated fleet to ensure our arrangements arrive fresh to the customer