Assistant Buyer – Upholstery

About the role

Careers International is recruiting an Assistant Buyer for upholstery in Dubai. The role works closely with the Category Buyer to source new upholstery products, develop product ranges and negotiate with suppliers, covering product knowledge, sourcing, negotiations, market analysis, cost management, order management and trend spotting.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Category Buyer to identify new upholstery products that match customer preferences and sales forecasts, and develop ranges for different customer segments.
• Negotiate with suppliers on cost pricing, payment terms and delivery schedules, aiming for win-win outcomes.
• Analyse trends in upholstery and furniture, track competitor products and pricing, and attend international fairs and trade shows to spot new trends, materials and suppliers.
• Manage the cost structure, work with the finance team on budget adherence, and price products competitively while keeping acceptable margins.
• Assist in placing orders, check quantities, delivery timelines and payment terms, and follow up regularly with suppliers on production and delivery.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in buying or category management for upholstery or home furniture; experience in local and international markets is a plus.
• Strong negotiation skills and proven vendor management experience.
• High attention to detail, multitasking and prioritisation.
• Analytical, data-driven approach to decision-making.

Required skills

• Strong proficiency in MS Excel and other relevant software.
• In-depth knowledge of upholstery materials, fabrics, colours, patterns and finishes, and awareness of global market trends.