Food Trading Manager | Retail | Marks & Spencer, UAE

Overview Of The Role:

The Food Trading Manager plays a pivotal role in maximizing trading opportunities across the MENA region for Al-Futtaim's Food Business Unit. This position involves collaborating with key stakeholders in stores and support centers, focusing on strategic implementation of trading initiatives and maintaining high merchandising standards. Key responsibilities include developing trading strategies, coaching retail teams, managing transformation projects, and ensuring a seamless customer experience. The role demands strong leadership and the ability to manage change effectively, fostering relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve operational excellence.

What You Will Do:

Trading Strategy and Operations

• Develop a robust Trading Calendar, Trading MI, and Trading Guidelines to set a clear and uniform cadence for trading the food hall.
• Ensure stores have clear trading guidelines and equip store teams to deliver excellent merchandising standards daily.
• Lead and coach teams to deliver 'Best in Class' standards across all stores and transformation projects.
• Manage multiple live projects with varying timelines, addressing issues and adjusting plans to meet objectives.

Retail and Team Development

• Coach and develop retail teams to deliver right first-time implementation and resolve trading issues.
• Engage and guide Regional and Store Managers through transformation projects from concept to post-implementation review.
• Champion retail in the Food BU, ensuring a customer-focused approach in all activities.

Visual Merchandising

• Deliver exceptional visual standards for store product launches on the sales floor and backstage.
• Ensure stores meet best in class expectations through effective communication and coaching.

SkillsRequired Skills To Be Successful:

• Exceptional leadership and coaching abilities.
• Advanced project management skills with the capability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and influencing skills to engage with senior stakeholders.
• Sharp commercial acumen with the ability to make informed strategic decisions.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• Leadership and store management experience, particularly with leading food retailers.
• Strong visual merchandising skill set with coaching abilities.
• Proven communication skills with the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.
• Robust commercial acumen and decision-making skills to solve problems under pressure.