At a Glance
- 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 comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Take ownership of design-led collections and make a real impact on interior experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in homeware buying and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Travel internationally for sourcing and collaborate with creative teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
As Homeware Buyer, you will be responsible for:
- Sourcing, developing and delivering cohesive ranges of accessories, lighting and rugs that elevate our furniture offer.
- Researching trends, travelling for sourcing, working closely with manufacturers on design and finish, and curating collections that feel considered, distinctive and uniquely ours.
- Building collections that complement furniture ranges and create clear interior stories.
- Briefing manufacturers clearly on design direction, materials, finishes, scale and quality.
- Negotiating costs, MOQs, lead times and terms to deliver strong commercial performance.
- Building long-term, collaborative supplier relationships.
- Owning category strategy, range planning, forecasting and margin delivery.
- Analysing sales performance and evolving collections seasonally.
- Working closely with Merchandising, Visual, Marketing and Stores to ensure collections are brought to life in store and online.
- Ensuring all products meet quality, compliance and ethical sourcing standards.
Proven experience as a Buyer within homeware, interiors or lifestyle categories is required. You should be comfortable travelling internationally for sourcing, organised, creative and able to manage multiple collections simultaneously.
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 UK’s 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.
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.
Procurement Officer - Lighting in Stockton-on-Tees employer: Barker and Stonehouse
Contact Detail:
Barker and Stonehouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer - Lighting in Stockton-on-Tees
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their design philosophy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Homeware Buyer role. Highlight your experience in sourcing and developing collections, and don’t forget to mention your knack for building strong supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Barker and Stonehouse family.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer - Lighting in Stockton-on-Tees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Homeware Buyer role. Highlight your experience in sourcing and developing collections, and don’t forget to mention any relevant travel experience. We want to see how you can bring our furniture to life!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for homeware and how your skills align with our vision at Barker and Stonehouse. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can elevate our collections.
Showcase Your Creativity: We love creativity! If you have examples of past projects or collections you've worked on, include them. Whether it’s a portfolio or a brief description, show us how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barker and Stonehouse
✨Know Your Homeware
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of homeware, especially lighting and accessories. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular materials, and what makes a collection stand out. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can elevate Barker and Stonehouse's offerings.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in sourcing products directly from manufacturers. Share specific examples of successful negotiations or unique finds that enhanced previous collections. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong supplier relationships and deliver on the company's vision.
✨Bring Your Creative Ideas
Think about how you would curate collections that complement furniture ranges. Prepare a few ideas or concepts that reflect your design sensibility and how they could enhance the overall customer experience. This shows your proactive approach and passion for the role.
✨Understand the Brand
Research Barker and Stonehouse thoroughly. Understand their brand values, target audience, and what sets them apart in the market. Being able to articulate how your vision aligns with their mission will make a strong impression and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.