Qatar Duty Free

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is an award winning subsidiary of Qatar Airways, the national airline of the state of Qatar and currently operates at the Departure, Arrivals, VIP and Premium Terminal of Hamad International Airport. As one of the fastest growing Duty Free operations in the world, Qatar Duty Free operates from the new Hamad International Airport (HIA). HIA is also home to the newly created QDF Food & Beverage Division which will set new benchmarks in airport hospitality.

As Lead Buying Officer you will effectively support and manage category purchasing functions at QDFC ensuring that sufficient stocks are available at all times to satisfy the projected sales growth. You will investigate new product opportunities and present a range of proposals. You will analyze performance in depth with a view to focusing the range and maximizing profitability for the company. You are responsible for margin and cost of sale related expenditure.

Key Accountabilities:

• Support, train and manage Buying Officers on day to day job functions to execute category strategy and plans.
• Ensure stock availability/collections to achieve annual category budgeted net sales and margin.
• Analyze current consumer trends and predict future trends in specific category to ensure products are in line with the market offer.
• Report on current purchasing activity to the Management and monitor Stock levels in INAX while minimizing stock write offs
• Establishing and maintain strong relationships with Suppliers and other retails, meeting with them regularly for formal reviews to ensure brand/product guidelines are met and best fit products are selected and launched on time.
• Work in partnership with retail and marketing department to ensure effective marketing, Assist Category Lead with development of consumer and shopper communications strategy and plans.
• Review performance of products and ranges in conjunction with the Management and reacting as necessary to improve the effect and monitoring performance.
• Support Category Lead to manage product detail for catalogues, sourcing and selection of imagery and content, PR copy briefing, desk and market research
• Follow-up on shipment orders placed and receive invoice from suppliers.
• Attending trade shows to keep abreast of the changing market place. Negotiating, in the best interest of the Company, with “International and Local” suppliers, regarding selection, price, terms, deliveries, freight, insurance, quality special discounts, extended credit and general marketing support, strategy and training to maximize the profitability of the Organisation.
• Review destination and daily inbound reports to analysis sales.
• Shares signed PO with the suppliers once approved to monitor the purchasing process.
• Visit HIA to liaise work with VM team to ensure brand/stock are in line with operational/brand requirement.

To be successful in this role you will hold a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. Master’s Degree in Business or Purchasing qualification will be an advantage. You will have minimum 7 years of job-related experience with a proven track record in managing stock on a day-to-day basis. Direct hands-on experience with Oracle / Navision inventory management is essential. You should have strong analytical skills and understanding of statistical process control.

 You should have excellent written and spoken communication skills with the ability to lead and direct the work of the team. Proven track record of handling complex issues and negotiations skills are required for this role. You should have excellent project management skills; able to deliver tasks within tight deadlines. You will have the ability to design new and effective solutions and foster teamwork among team members.