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- Tasks: Source and develop exclusive homeware collections that elevate our furniture ranges.
- Company: Join Barker and Stonehouse, the UK's largest family-run furniture retailer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive benefits package.
- Other info: Travel for sourcing and collaborate across teams to bring collections to life.
- Why this job: Take ownership of design-led collections and make a real impact on interiors.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer in homeware with strong negotiation and design skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Stockton on Tees Head Office / Hybrid (with regular UK and overseas sourcing travel)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
At Barker and Stonehouse, we believe homeware is what transforms furniture into a complete home. Accessories, lighting and rugs are not add ons; they are the layers that enhance our furniture collections, creating mood, balance and story. We’re looking for a Homeware Buyer to take ownership of these categories and develop exclusive, design led collections that complement our furniture ranges and elevate how our interiors are experienced in store and online. Sourced directly from manufacturers and makers, these collections will play a key role in bringing our room sets to life.
The Role
As Homeware Buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, developing and delivering cohesive ranges of accessories, lighting and rugs that elevate our furniture offer. You’ll research trends, travel for sourcing, work closely with manufacturers on design and finish, and curate collections that feel considered, distinctive and uniquely ours. From initial concept through to in season trading, you’ll own your categories end to end.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and develop exclusive homeware collections directly from manufacturers
- Travel to factories, trade shows and sourcing markets to identify new materials, finishes and production partners
- Build collections that complement furniture ranges and create clear interior stories
- Brief manufacturers clearly on design direction, materials, finishes, scale and quality
- Negotiate costs, MOQs, lead times and terms to deliver strong commercial performance
- Build long term, collaborative supplier relationships
- Own category strategy, range planning, forecasting and margin delivery
- Analyse sales performance and evolve collections seasonally
- Work closely with Merchandising, Visual, Marketing and Stores to ensure collections are brought to life in store and online
- Ensure all products meet quality, compliance and ethical sourcing standards
About You
- Proven experience as a Buyer within homeware, interiors or lifestyle categories
- Demonstrable experience sourcing directly from manufacturers, not simply selecting from existing catalogues
- A strong eye for design, proportion, materials and finish
- Passion for interiors and how accessories complete a room
- Commercially confident with strong negotiation and numerical skills
- Comfortable travelling internationally for sourcing
- Organised, creative and able to manage multiple collections simultaneously
Why Join Barker and Stonehouse?
This role offers a rare level of ownership within homeware buying, with a clear strategic purpose: enhancing and elevating our furniture collections through considered accessories, lighting and rugs. You’ll lead these categories as an integral part of our interiors, shaping exclusive ranges that complete room sets and bring our furniture to life in store and online. As a family-owned business, Barker and Stonehouse takes a long-term approach to product, relationships and design. You’ll have the autonomy to use your judgement, work closely with senior stakeholders, and collaborate across Merchandising, Visual and Marketing to ensure homeware is fully aligned with furniture ranges and interior stories. With hands on sourcing travel, direct manufacturer relationships and clear visibility of your work, this role is ideal for a buyer ready to take broader responsibility and influence how our collections are experienced by customers. This role is supported by a competitive salary, hybrid working and a benefits package aligned to the role and experience.
Barker and Stonehouse are the UKs largest family-run furniture retailer with a strong brand and design focus. We have 12 retail stores, online, 3 concessions and work with third-party marketplaces, such as Next and Marks and Spencer. We are celebrating our 80th anniversary this year.
How to Apply
This is an opportunity for you to develop a career working for the most prestigious and established furniture retailer brand in the North East of England. If you are interested in this position, please email your CV to Linda Purdie, Head of HR, at lpurdie@barkerandstonehouse.co.uk
Homeware Buyer – Accessories, Lighting & Rugs employer: Barker and Stonehouse
Contact Detail:
Barker and Stonehouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeware Buyer – Accessories, Lighting & Rugs
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Barker and Stonehouse's values, products, and recent collections. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Homeware Buyer role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common buyer-related questions. Think about your sourcing strategies, negotiation tactics, and how you would curate collections. Being ready to discuss these topics will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Barker and Stonehouse family.
We think you need these skills to ace Homeware Buyer – Accessories, Lighting & Rugs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Homeware: When you're writing your application, let your love for homeware shine through! Talk about your favourite accessories, lighting, or rugs and how they transform spaces. We want to see that you’re not just a buyer, but someone who truly appreciates the art of creating beautiful interiors.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous buying experience, especially if you've sourced directly from manufacturers. We’re looking for someone who knows the ins and outs of the industry, so don’t hold back on the details that showcase your expertise!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Mention how your skills align with our mission at Barker and Stonehouse. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we do!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barker and Stonehouse
✨Know Your Homeware
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of homeware. Familiarise yourself with current trends in accessories, lighting, and rugs. Being able to discuss specific styles or brands will show your passion and expertise, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Skills
Prepare examples of your past experiences sourcing directly from manufacturers. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships and negotiated terms. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership of categories and deliver strong commercial performance.
✨Bring Your Design Eye
Since this role requires a strong eye for design, be prepared to talk about your design philosophy. Consider bringing a portfolio or examples of collections you've worked on that highlight your understanding of proportion, materials, and finishes.
✨Understand the Brand
Research Barker and Stonehouse thoroughly. Understand their brand values, product offerings, and what sets them apart in the market. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their vision and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.