At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead buying and merchandising to drive performance across stores and online channels.
- Company: Join BHF, a mission-driven organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to influence change.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape product ranges and strategies that support a meaningful cause.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in buying/merchandising with a track record of results.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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 in Northampton 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 on 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 in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and values, especially in areas like ethical surplus stock partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've guided teams through change and used data to drive performance. We love hearing about your hands-on approach to commercial leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are excited about making a meaningful impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying and Merchandising in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in buying and merchandising. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your commercial achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Buying and Merchandising, leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams through change and driven performance. We love seeing examples of collaboration and innovation!
Be Data-Driven:We’re all about using data to inform decisions. In your application, share specific instances where you’ve used data and market insights to shape strategy or improve profitability. This will show us you’re right for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 led a team to success, especially in fast-paced environments or during transitions to new ways of working.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current trends in buying and merchandising, particularly in the categories mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence strategy and product selection, showing that you're not just reactive but also proactive in your approach.
✨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 align others to achieve common goals, as this will be crucial for driving eCommerce growth and supporting ethical partnerships.
