PRODUCTS:
Country Buying Director
Our client is recognised as one of the global leaders in the Retail sector. Originating in Europe in the early 1960s, the company now operates across almost 30 countries worldwide and is looking to expand aggressively into two more countries each year for the foreseeable future. Their present portfolio of almost 600 stores offers their customers over 50 000 SKU’s from a single source. With an annual turnover of €60 billion and a work force of over 250 000, this company continues to go from strength to strength. A strong people centred ethos with regard to both staff and customers has made this business what it is today. They offer high quality goods at competitive prices in quality environments. Though there is a strong core brand image and well practised corporate procedures in place, they understand the need to respond to local practice, customs and culture in a positive way, so they have the mechanisms in place to adapt their approach in response to diverse markets and locations. Their expansion plan has already lead to a number of senior colleagues being appointed across Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia. The positions they are now looking to appoint for are:
· Buying Director
With a highly successful operation in place across a number of continents, it is vital that the business attracts the right people to build on their success. Your people and communication skills will allow you to respond positively to the demands of a hands-on approach whilst showing respect for the individual. Operating at a senior level and reporting in to your Country Managing Director, your decisions will be critical to both the daily operation and the on-going expansion. Your flexibility to move from country to country within 18 – 24 months will ensure that the development of the business and your own personal and career development will progress together.
These are high profile roles in a unique, fast moving and exciting environment. Your ability to develop and implement both strategy and policy is a key skill. With your operational skills and experience, the autonomy inherent in this role will offer you a real chance to shape and strategically develop the existing retail operation, and to help ensure its continued success and future growth.
Successful applicants will have strong academic and professional track record, excellent skills in oral and written English. Similar abilities in other languages would be seen as an advantage. We are looking for ambitious, serious and committed individuals who are keen to contribute to company growth.
Applications are therefore invited from individuals who:
- have a good formal academic background.
- have a minimum of 2 years’ Operational, Financial or Purchasing experience at a Senior Executive or Director Level in a dynamic, growing retail business and a demonstrable track record of operational improvement, cost reduction and the delivery of KPI’s
- have experience in Business Development with a preferred knowledge of Europe, North Africa, Middle East and/or Asia.
- are approachable, work well under pressure, have good attention to detail and are logical, co-operative and organized.
- are prepared to travel regularly throughout Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
- have the ability to manage resources and build strong professional relationships
- are fluent in written and spoken English (and, possibly, another language).
- are strategic thinkers with Business Development experience
- have a proactive, out-going, engaging personality with experience of contributing effectively at a senior management level across a range of disciplines.
For more information contact Peter Hicking 00(44) 1924 277992 alternatively apply in confidence by email, uploading your CV with full career and current salary details, quoting reference: TM0016
Thomas Munroe Ltd, European Business Centre, Riverside View, Thornes Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 5QW, United Kingdom
Email: enquiries@thomasmunroe.com
Tel: 00 (44) 1924 277992
Fax: 00 (44) 1924 277287