Buying Trainee - Emiratisation

Role Overview

Buying Trainee - Emiratisation position with Chalhoub Group, a luxury retail organization operating across the Middle East and beyond.

Company Overview

Chalhoub Group has operated as a luxury retail partner and creator of experiences in the Middle East for over seven decades. The Group manages a portfolio of over 10 owned brands and distributes over 400 international names across luxury fashion, beauty, jewellery, watches, eyewear, and art de vivre categories. The organization operates seamless omnichannel experiences across more than 950 stores, online platforms, and mobile apps. Chalhoub Group employs over 16,000 talented professionals across eight countries in the Middle East with presence in LATAM. The Group fosters a people-at-heart culture rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sustainability is at the core of the Group's strategy; Chalhoub Group is a member of the United Nations Global Compact, a signatory of the Women's Empowerment Principles, and has pledged to reach Net Zero by 2040.

Role Purpose

The Buying Trainee will step into the commercial world of fashion retail, gaining hands-on exposure to luxury and contemporary brands while developing understanding of both creative and commercial sides of fashion. This role is designed for someone seeking to build a long-term career in Buying.

Key Responsibilities

Support & Administration

• Support the Buying team across Womenswear, Handbags and Shoes.
• Maintain Buying trackers and Excel sheets, ensuring information is accurate and up to date.
• Prepare presentations and commercial data for weekly trade meetings.

Commercial Analysis

• Work with sales and product data to develop commercial understanding of different brands and categories.
• Participate in trade meetings reviewing weekly sales, brand and category performance, and in-season actions.
• Develop understanding of the wider Buying process and how commercial decisions translate into the products customers discover in-store.

Seasonal & Market Operations

• Support seasonal Buying cycles, including Spring/Summer collections.
• Participate in weekly market visits to build understanding of products, customers and the retail environment.
• Gain exposure to brand-facing activities and learn how Buying teams work with luxury and contemporary fashion brands.

Qualifications & Experience

• UAE National with a Family Book.
• Background in Finance, Economics, Business Management, or another relevant field.
• Genuine interest in luxury fashion, womenswear, handbags and footwear.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, particularly VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP.
• Confidence working with data, trackers and administrative tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Proactive mindset and willingness to take initiative.
• Comfort working in a brand and client-facing environment.

Additional Information

The traineeship is suited to someone who views Buying as more than a first role and wants to build expertise within the function. As you develop your career, Buying offers exposure to international markets and buying trips to fashion capitals such as Milan and Paris.

Chalhoub Group provides a competitive benefits package including health care, child education contribution, remote and flexible working policies, and exclusive employee discounts.

Assessments and interviews must be completed independently and without assistance from generative AI tools.

The Group is committed to empowering UAE Nationals and fostering local talent and welcomes applications from Emirati candidates. Chalhoub Group ensures equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, or ability.