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- Tasks: Shape our retail vision by sourcing and developing exciting product ranges.
- Company: Join BFI Southbank, a vibrant hub for arts and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and free film screenings.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the arts while working with creative minds.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail buying and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage under-represented groups to apply.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re looking for a Retail Buyer to join our team at BFI Southbank. You’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering the Shop’s retail vision, sourcing and developing commercially strong product ranges that reflect our brand, our audiences and our cultural programme.
What you’ll do:
- Work with colleagues to plan and maintain a dynamic programme of ranges and promotions, using customer insight, market trends and financial data to drive choice, revenue and brand reach.
- Build effective relationships with suppliers, artists, designers and internal teams to develop distinctive, cost‑efficient products that maximise BFI assets and deliver a high‑quality retail experience across in‑store and online channels.
- Lead the sourcing, development and buying of products, using market insight, brand strengths and supplier partnerships to create commercially strong, customer‑focused ranges.
- Champion innovation, commercial growth and customer engagement through continual range review, negotiation and collaboration.
- Support a positive team culture through clear communication, inclusive working practices and strong cross‑department collaboration, while upholding BFI values and financial procedures.
We are looking for candidates who have:
- Demonstrable experience in retail buying within arts, cultural or visitor‑focused settings, with the ability to develop commercially successful ranges informed by customer insight, brand identity and market trends.
- Strong understanding of retail operations, including stock management, merchandising, supplier negotiation and revenue optimisation, with analytical skills to interpret sales and stock data.
- A good knowledge of home entertainment and its future within the retail landscape.
- Proven ability to build productive relationships with suppliers, artists, designers and internal teams to create unique, brand‑aligned products and merchandise.
- Customer‑focused mindset with strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate across departments and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Highly organised and proactive, with strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to manage deadlines, budgets and competing priorities.
What we offer:
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + bank holidays + the option to buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
- Additional paid time off between Christmas and New Year.
- BFI pension scheme with 5% employer contribution.
- BFI Childcare Scheme, where we contribute to childcare costs for children up to the age of 14.
- Enhanced pay for Maternity & Paternity leave.
- Complimentary tickets to BFI Southbank & IMAX screenings and events.
- Free BFI Player subscription + discount on BFI DVDs, books, merchandise, and film tickets.
We support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation recognise that we need to address under representation within our teams. As such we strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our under‑represented groups; who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are Black and Global Majority. We guarantee a place at the first stage selection process to our under‑represented groups who meet our minimum requirements.
Further details about the role, the BFI and our benefits can be obtained by visiting www.bfi.org.uk/about-bfi/job-opportunities. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Wednesday, 08 April 2026. First interviews will be held on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Retail Buyer employer: British Film Institute (BFI)
Contact Detail:
British Film Institute (BFI) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the retail buying scene. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in sourcing and developing product ranges. Share specific examples of how you've used customer insights and market trends to drive sales – that’ll definitely catch their attention!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you love, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly and express your interest in working with them. Tailor your message to show how your skills align with their retail vision – it could lead to an opportunity before they even advertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in retail and home entertainment. Consider taking a short course or attending workshops to sharpen your skills. This not only boosts your CV but also shows potential employers that you’re committed to growth in the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Retail: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for retail shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our vision at BFI Southbank, so share specific examples of how you've developed successful product ranges in the past.
Be Data-Driven: We love numbers! Make sure to highlight your analytical skills and how you've used data to inform your buying decisions. Whether it's sales figures or market trends, showing us your ability to interpret data will set you apart.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: At BFI, teamwork is key. In your application, mention how you've built relationships with suppliers and internal teams. We want to know how you’ve worked collaboratively to create unique products that resonate with customers.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Retail Buyer role. We appreciate candidates who take the extra step to show they understand our brand and audience.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Film Institute (BFI)
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of products BFI Southbank offers. Familiarise yourself with their current range and think about how you could enhance it. This shows your passion for the role and your understanding of the brand.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive product choices. Bring examples of how you've interpreted sales and stock data to make informed buying decisions. This will demonstrate your analytical prowess and fit for the role.
✨Build Relationships
Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with suppliers or internal teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built productive relationships in previous roles. This is crucial for a Retail Buyer position.
✨Emphasise Customer Focus
Prepare to talk about how you've used customer insights to shape product ranges. Discuss any experience you have in understanding market trends and how that has influenced your buying decisions. This will show that you’re aligned with BFI's customer-focused mindset.