At a Glance
- Tasks: Maximise revenue through data-driven product strategies and fan-centric collections.
- Company: Join Brentford FC, a community-focused Premier League club with a unique culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £50,000, hybrid work, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive change in a dynamic, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that values diversity and creative thinking.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in retail buying with strong negotiation and inventory management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Vantage London, Hybrid
Department: Commercial
Sub-department: Retail
Salary: £50,000
The Club
Brentford FC is a bit different from other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently. Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day. We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC. We play in a new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London. We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.
Job Overview
Maximize commercial revenue and gross profit through a data-driven product strategy; sourcing fan-centric ranges while rigorously managing sell-through.
Key Responsibilities
- Utilize sales, product and operational data to build high-margin collections.
- Rigorously manage inventory lifecycle to optimize stock turnover.
- Design a balanced product matrix building trend-based assortments.
- Manage annual buying budget effectively.
- Deliver an immediate exit and markdown plan to sell through legacy inventory.
- Set retail prices and target intake margins to hit global Gross Profit goals.
Knowledge
- Proven track record of negotiating cost prices, payment terms, and minimum order quantities.
- Experienced in a fast-paced retail environment, with at least 2 years owning a significant buying budget.
- Experience managing WSSI reporting.
Specialist Skills
- Understand and be able to execute effectively full product lifecycle, successfully taking products from conception to delivery.
- Optimise Brentford’s supply chain by phasing deliveries, aligning product intake dynamically with peak demand periods to maintain efficient stock levels.
People Skills
- Collaborative approach to work with a continuous improvement mind-set.
- Ability to manage own time effectively.
- Work alongside, and understand the objectives of, the Retail Operations team to build effective in-store plans.
External Impact
- Able to work collaboratively across departments to achieve business and departmental objectives.
- Manage Brentford’s product suppliers maintaining the positive reputation the club has within our network.
- Work closely with the club’s Technical Apparel and formalwear partners.
Decision Making
- Full ownership of stock allocation strategies, including determining when and how to move inventory between distribution channels.
- Accountability for the commercial timing, depth, and structural mechanics of all promotional markdowns.
- Autonomously manage uncommitted buying budget based on live data managing the clubs cash flow effectively.
Innovation
- Drive the evolution of the department’s commercial toolkits.
- Identify and onboard responsive short, mid and long term suppliers and partners.
- Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to pilot modern, high-frequency capsule drops that break away from traditional seasonal delivery constraints and capitalize on cultural trends.
General Club Accountabilities
- To comply with all Club policies, including health and safety, data regulations and other legal, ethical and social requirements.
- To build and maintain good working relationships while maintaining a professional image.
- To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
- To always maintain a flexible approach to work.
Inclusion Statement
Brentford FC is proud to be an organisation that values equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a culture that celebrates difference and ensures fairness, safety, representation, and belonging. We recognise that some groups remain underrepresented in our workforce and are actively working to change this. As part of that commitment, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds — particularly those from ethnically diverse communities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people. We’re committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process, with all decisions made based on merit and suitability — regardless of background or protected characteristic. Should you be selected for interview, we welcome the opportunity to discuss any specific arrangements, accommodations or reasonable adjustments you may require to be made.
Safeguarding Statement
Brentford FC is fully committed to promoting equality, and to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is a core part of the Club’s culture. All staff and volunteers share a collective duty to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment, both on and off the field. To ensure this, all staff are required to complete regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training supports a proactive and informed approach to safeguarding practice. The successful candidate will be expected to understand, adhere to, and actively uphold all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes recognising signs of abuse or harm, responding appropriately, and reporting any concerns in a timely manner to the Club’s Safeguarding Team. Brentford FC operates safer recruitment practices. We remind individuals that it is a criminal offence for a person barred from engaging in regulated activity to apply for a role that involves such activity.
Buying and Merchandising Manager employer: Brentford FC Limited
Brentford FC is an exceptional employer that prioritises community, inclusion, and personal development within a vibrant environment. As an Academy Education Tutor, you will benefit from a supportive culture that encourages innovative teaching methods and offers opportunities for professional growth, all while working at our state-of-the-art training ground in west London. Join us in making a meaningful impact on students' lives as part of a diverse team committed to excellence and equity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying and Merchandising Manager
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Brentford FC Limited, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Brentford FC Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying and Merchandising Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Brentford FC Limited, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Brentford FC Limited and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Brentford FC Limited that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brentford FC Limited
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
