Mid-Level Product Buyer & Merchandiser

Mid-Level Product Buyer & Merchandiser

Full-Time 40000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Casa by Josephine Jenno

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape and develop product strategies while managing buying and merchandising.
  • Company: Join Casa by JJ, a premium homewares brand with a unique aesthetic.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for international travel.
  • Other info: Collaborate with creative teams and mentor junior staff in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on beautiful, characterful interiors and grow your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in buying or merchandising with a passion for product and interiors.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.

Casa by JJ is a premium homewares brand with a distinctive point of view bringing together beautiful, considered pieces for the home with an emphasis on character, craftsmanship and timeless design.

Our collections are curated for customers who appreciate interiors with personality.

From statement pieces to everyday essentials, we believe the home should feel layered, individual and effortlessly stylish.

As Casa by JJ continues to grow, we are expanding our product offering and developing an increasingly distinctive collection across furniture, decorative accessories and homewares.

We work with a combination of established suppliers and emerging makers, alongside sourcing exciting products internationally.

Our ambition is to build Casa by JJ into a recognised destination for beautiful, characterful and well-priced interiors, with product at the heart of everything we do.

We are now looking for an experienced and commercially minded Product & Merchandising Manager to join our team in Chelsea and play a key role in shaping the next stage of our product journey.

The Role

This is a hands-on, varied role sitting at the centre of product, buying and merchandising.

You will be responsible for helping to build and manage a commercially successful product assortment - from identifying new opportunities and sourcing products, through to buying, product development, launch and ongoing stock management.

Working closely with the founder and wider team, you will combine a strong eye for product and interiors with a detailed understanding of sales, margin, stock and customer demand.

The role will also involve overseas buying trips, giving you the opportunity to travel internationally to meet suppliers, discover new products, identify emerging trends and build relationships with new and existing partners.

You will also manage a Buyer’s Assistant, providing direction, support and development while ensuring the day-to-day buying and merchandising function runs efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

  • Product & Range Development
  • Help shape and develop Casa by JJ’s product strategy and seasonal ranges.
  • Identify new product opportunities that fit the Casa by JJ aesthetic, customer and commercial objectives.
  • Research interiors trends, international markets, competitors and emerging designers, makers and suppliers.
  • Source new products and suppliers both in the UK and internationally.
  • Attend international trade shows, exhibitions and supplier meetings as part of overseas buying trips.
  • Develop strong, long-term relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.
  • Support product development from initial concept and sampling through to final production.
  • Ensure new products meet Casa by JJ’s expectations around quality, design, price and commercial viability.
  • Build a compelling balance of core, seasonal, trend-led and statement products.
  • Buying & Ordering
  • Place and manage purchase orders with suppliers, ensuring accuracy across product, quantities, pricing and delivery dates.
  • Place timely orders for existing/core products, ensuring best sellers and key lines remain in stock and available to customers.
  • Monitor stock levels and sales velocity to identify when re-orders are required.
  • Manage supplier lead times and proactively anticipate stock requirements.
  • Work closely with suppliers to ensure orders are delivered on time and to the required specification.
  • Monitor costs, pricing and margins, negotiating where appropriate to achieve strong commercial outcomes.
  • Maintain accurate product, supplier and purchasing information.
  • Analyse weekly and monthly sales, margin and stock performance across the range.
  • Use commercial data to identify best sellers, slow movers, stock risks and opportunities.
  • Support seasonal range planning and forecasting.
  • Make recommendations around replenishment, pricing, promotions and product lifecycle.
  • Ensure the range remains commercially balanced and aligned with customer demand.
  • Monitor inventory levels and work proactively to minimise overstock and missed sales opportunities.
  • Support the planning and execution of new product launches.
  • Team Management
  • Manage and mentor the Buyer’s Assistant, providing clear direction and prioritisation.
  • Delegate day-to-day tasks effectively while maintaining oversight of deadlines and deliverables.
  • Support the development of the Buyer’s Assistant’s product, buying and merchandising knowledge.
  • Create efficient processes across purchasing, product information, ordering and stock management.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with the creative, marketing, e-commerce and operations teams to ensure new products are launched successfully.
  • Collaborate on product imagery, product information, launch timings and merchandising.
  • Ensure the product range is represented consistently across all customer touchpoints.
  • Contribute to wider commercial and brand strategy as Casa by JJ continues to grow.

About You

We’re looking for someone who combines commercial confidence with genuine product passion.

You may currently be working in buying, merchandising, product development, category management or a similar role within premium homewares, interiors, furniture, lifestyle or fashion.

  • You will ideally have: Proven experience in a buying, product or merchandising role.
  • A strong understanding of product margins, sales performance, stock management and forecasting.
  • Experience placing purchase orders and managing supplier relationships.
  • Experience managing or mentoring a more junior team member.
  • A natural eye for beautiful, commercially relevant product.
  • An understanding of premium interiors and the ability to identify products with strong customer appeal.
  • Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
  • Confidence working with numbers, spreadsheets and commercial data.
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
  • The ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-moving environment.
  • Excellent communication skills and the confidence to build relationships with suppliers internationally.
  • A proactive, hands-on approach - someone who sees what needs doing and gets on with it.
  • A willingness and enthusiasm to travel internationally for buying trips and trade shows.

Most importantly, you will be someone who loves product. You naturally notice what's new, what's exciting and what has the potential to become a customer favourite.

What you will bring to Casa by JJ

We are looking for someone who can operate across both the creative and commercial sides of the business.

You'll need to walk into a trade show and spot the product that everyone will want next season but also understand the numbers behind the decision, know how much to buy, when to re-order it and what margin we need to achieve.

You'll have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the evolution of the Casa by JJ collection, influence the products we introduce and help build the buying and merchandising function as the business grows.

This is an opportunity for someone who wants ownership, responsibility and creative influence within an ambitious premium homewares brand.

Location: Chelsea, London Working pattern: Hybrid - WFH Monday & Friday | Office-based Tuesday-Wednesday

Travel: Overseas buying trips and international trade shows will form part of the role.

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Mid-Level Product Buyer & Merchandiser employer: Casa by Josephine Jenno

Casa by Josephine Jenno offers a unique opportunity for freelance homeware designers to collaborate directly with the Founder in a creative and supportive environment. With a focus on heritage-led designs, employees can expect a culture that values artistic expression and innovation, alongside opportunities for professional growth within the premium homeware sector. Located in a vibrant area, this role not only allows for meaningful contributions to beautiful collections but also fosters a community of passionate individuals dedicated to the art of hosting.

Casa by Josephine Jenno

Contact Details:

Casa by Josephine Jenno Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Mid-Level Product Buyer & Merchandiser

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 Casa by Josephine Jenno, 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 Casa by Josephine Jenno!

We think you need these skills to ace Mid-Level Product Buyer & Merchandiser

Product Development
Buying and Merchandising
Supplier Relationship Management
Stock Management
Sales Performance Analysis
Forecasting
Negotiation Skills

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 Casa by Josephine Jenno, 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 Casa by Josephine Jenno 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 Casa by Josephine Jenno that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!

How to prepare for a job interview at Casa by Josephine Jenno

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!