At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead buying and merchandising strategy to drive performance across stores and online.
- Company: Join BHF, a mission-driven organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and data-driven decision making.
- Why this job: Shape product ranges and influence change at scale in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in buying/merchandising with a track record of commercial success.
As Head of Buying and Merchandising, you’ll have the opportunity to shape and lead a high-impact area of BHF’s Trading and Commercial directorate, driving performance across our stores and online channels. This is a unique leadership role where commercial thinking, customer insight and operational delivery come together to maximise the success of our bought-in product range.
You’ll lead the strategy for a diverse and evolving portfolio spanning categories such as furniture, homewares, electricals, accessories, medical devices and seasonal ranges, while also supporting ethical surplus stock partnerships. With ownership of trading performance across physical stores, the BHF Online Shop and the Defibrillator Shop, you’ll play a key role in delivering sales, margin and stock outcomes that directly support our wider mission. This role offers the chance to make a visible impact through shaping ranges, setting pricing and promotions, improving availability, and driving eCommerce growth.
You’ll work collaboratively with suppliers and colleagues across Trading, Commercial and Digital, while leading talented teams and embedding modern, data-led and AI-enabled ways of working. If you are excited by commercial leadership, innovation and the opportunity to influence change at scale, this is a brilliant chance to make a meaningful contribution at BHF.
About you
You’ll bring significant senior-level experience in buying and/or merchandising, with a strong track record of delivering commercial results across both physical retail and digital channels. You’re commercially astute, financially confident and comfortable using data, insight and market trends to shape strategy, drive performance and improve profitability. An experienced and credible leader, you can guide teams through change and embed new ways of working, including digital and AI-enabled approaches. You’ll also be confident building strong relationships across teams and with external partners, using your communication and influencing skills to align others and turn ideas into action.
We’re looking for someone who is curious, collaborative and future-focused, with sound judgement, strong decision making skills and the ability to lead with clarity in a fast-paced environment. If you enjoy combining strategic thinking with hands-on commercial leadership, this is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.
Working arrangements
This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our Northampton Office (NN1 2BN). This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause. This role will also involve travel across the UK in line with the supplier base.
Head of Buying and Merchandising employer: British Heart Foundation
At BHF, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As the Head of Buying and Merchandising, you will not only lead a dynamic team but also have access to extensive professional development opportunities, allowing you to grow your career while making a meaningful impact in our mission. With a hybrid working model based in Northampton, you can enjoy a flexible work-life balance while contributing to a cause that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying and Merchandising
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their product range and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the role and how you can drive performance. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common questions and be prepared to discuss your past successes.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at BHF.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying and Merchandising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that align with the Head of Buying and Merchandising role. Highlight your commercial achievements and leadership experience, especially in both physical and digital channels.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this role at BHF. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and shaped strategies in previous positions, and don’t forget to mention your passion for our mission!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data-led decision making, make sure to highlight your experience with data analysis and market trends. We want to see how you’ve used insights to drive commercial success in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a real impact at BHF!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Heart Foundation
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Buying and Merchandising, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to sales, margins, and stock levels. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive performance and profitability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples that highlight your ability to guide teams through change. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully led a team, especially in adopting new strategies or technologies.
✨Understand the Product Portfolio
Familiarise yourself with the types of products BHF deals with, from furniture to medical devices. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach merchandising for these categories and any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing their appeal.
✨Build Relationships
Since collaboration is key in this role, think about how you've built strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams in the past. Prepare to discuss your communication style and how you influence others to align with your vision.
