Benjamin Driver
Buying & Merchandising Head
Port De La Mer, Dubai,
Summary
Passionate and results-driven Brand Manager with a proven track record of elevating brand presence and driving strategic marketing initiatives. A creative thinker with a keen eye for detail and a knack for turning brand visions into reality. I thrive on collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful campaigns that resonate with target audiences.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Buying & Merchandising Head
Chalhoub Group
7 2019 - Current
- Leading the Buying and Merchandising unit on Versace, Jimmy Choo & Michael Kors; 4 channels, 7 markets, 26 stores with 8% year on year growth
- Driving 360 Omni-channel strategy; $35m OTB budget
- Built Buying & Merchandising function; leading team of 5
- Spearheading diversification strategy of new channels; eComm, Marketplace, Outlet and new categories; Kids, MK Runway Collection, Factory and Fragrances
- Leading e-retail development for Bloomingdale's, Cenomi, Farfetch, Level and Ounass
- Strategic development of Dubai Mall; leading to best performing store globally at $12m
- US/EU brand HQ contact for negotiations, business development, exclusivities and pricing strategies
- Leading regional customization agenda across product assortment, exclusive capsule collections, product merchandising with focus on KSA opportunities
- Integrating of CRM to ensure customer 1st approach; enabling customized approach to each MENA market
- Took onboard project management to launch regional eComm to ensure right product, pricing and people
- Stretch assignment 21-23'; manage buying strategy for DSquared2 and Paul Smith.
Merchandise Manager
Al Tayer Group
04.2017 - 07.2019
- Leading team of 6 across 5 brands; Alexander McQueen, Giorgio Armani, Rag & Bone, Stella McCartney and Vince - year on year growth of 12%
- Driving supply chain strategy to ensure progressive growth
- Managing buying strategy and execution with OTB of $20m
- Planning Marketing, Social, and PR strategy in collaboration with marketing division to ensure right brand narrative
- Optimizing bottom line through key stakeholder influencing
- Ensuring continuous agile actions taken to positively impact commerciality and CX
Senior Buyer
Al Tayer Group
04.2014 - 06.2017
- Leading 4 buyers and planners across Armani Group
- Managing buying and supply chain; OTB of $12m, 5 markets
- Assortment selection; Accessories, Kids Men's and Women's
- Overseeing global product training across entire fleet
- Launch market exclusives in partnership with brands
Buyer
Al Tayer Group
09.2012 - 04.2014
Buyer
Surdome
05.2011 - 09.2012
Owner
Red Ape Clothing
04.2007 - 05.2011
Junior Buyer
Accent Menswear
07.2005 - 04.2007
Sales Associate
Accent Menswear
09.2003 - 07.2005
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Sports Studies
Newcastle University
UK 09.1999 - 07.2002
Associate of Science - Sports Studies
Harrogate College
UK 09.1997 - 07.1999
High School Diploma -
King James' School Knaresborough
UK 09.1992 - 07.1997
Skills
Omni-channel Expert
Strategic Thinker
Agile Mindset
Highly Collaborative
Leadership of Diverse Teams
Ability to Influence and Negotiate Effectively
Internal and External Stakeholder Management
Managing Complex Brand Partnerships
Interests
Exploring and Immersing myself in diverse cultures, Minimalism, Functional training and all things Wellbeing
Timeline
Merchandise Manager
Al Tayer Group
04.2017 - 07.2019
Senior Buyer
Al Tayer Group
04.2014 - 06.2017
Buyer
Al Tayer Group
09.2012 - 04.2014
Buyer
Surdome
05.2011 - 09.2012
Owner
Red Ape Clothing
04.2007 - 05.2011
Junior Buyer
Accent Menswear
07.2005 - 04.2007
Sales Associate
Accent Menswear
09.2003 - 07.2005
Associate of Applied Science - Sports Studies
Newcastle University
09.1999 - 07.2002
Associate of Science - Sports Studies
Harrogate College
09.1997 - 07.1999
High School Diploma -
King James' School Knaresborough
09.1992 - 07.1997
Buying & Merchandising Head
Chalhoub Group
7 2019 - Current
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