Head of Buying

Position Overview

YSS Hospitality Company is seeking a seasoned Head of Buying to spearhead and expand our purchasing strategy within our retail operations located in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. This full-time, onsite role demands strategic vision and extensive experience in fashion, retail, or luxury buying backed by at least five years in the field. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting the commercial buying direction, integrating leading brands, managing budgets, and leading a team to deliver timely and trend-conscious collections aligned with customer demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and acquire premium local and global brands that align with the brand's store identity and clientele preferences.
• Lead and mentor a team of buyers and assistant buyers, ensuring efficient daily purchasing operations and fostering professional growth.
• Manage the open-to-buy budgets, oversee inventory flow, pricing strategies, and optimize profit margins.
• Handle communications and negotiations with partner brands, including order commitments, performance reviews, and restocking plans.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Store Operations to select products for photoshoots, launches, and seasonal campaigns.
• Analyze market trends, sales metrics, and customer insights to inform adaptive buying strategies.

Qualifications

• At least five years of progressive experience in retail buying, brand management, or commercial merchandising, preferably within fashion, apparel, or luxury retail sectors.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing and developing buying teams.
• Proficient financial management skills, including budgeting, margin planning, and sales analytics.
• Strong negotiation abilities combined with well-established contacts among brands and distributors.
• Excellent communication skills in English; Arabic language skills are an advantage.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Khobar, Saudi Arabia for onsite work.