At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying process for stunning jewellery collections and drive strategic growth.
- Company: Join a family-run jewellery wholesaler with nearly 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for national and international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the jewellery sector while working with creative minds.
- Qualifications: Experience in jewellery buying and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A premier jewellery wholesaler is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Lead Jewellery Buyer to join our friendly, family-run business based in Leicester. This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape the strategic direction of our buying function while taking hands-on responsibility for the day-to-day execution of sourcing, developing and delivering commercially successful jewellery collections. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting CME’s long-term growth ambitions within the jewellery sector. The role owns the full buying lifecycle — from trend forecasting and product development through to performance analysis and market execution.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the selection and development of commercially viable jewellery collections.
- Conduct regular trend forecasting and competitor analysis to identify new opportunities.
- Build relationships with suppliers through national and international trade events and meetings.
- Negotiate best pricing to achieve target margins.
- Review and improve supplier base to improve quality, design and delivery.
- Develop strong ethical and strategic supplier partnerships aligned to the business quality standards.
- Review sales performance to understand key sales, improve performance and understand profit and margin drivers.
- Work with CEO to formulate a buying plan and budget.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams to deliver a cohesive aligned approach.
- Commission and manage freelance designers.
Requirements:
- Creative vision with strong product instinct.
- Proven experience in a buying role ideally within the jewellery sector.
- Strong understanding of product selection and development and the global sourcing process.
- Excellent market awareness and a passion for jewellery.
- Commercially astute with strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Strong professional communication skills and collaborative approach.
- Advanced in Excel / understanding of CAD platform & 3D modelling tools.
- Comfortable commuting to Leicester (office-based role).
- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.
About Us:
For almost 50 years, we have supplied unbranded silver and gold jewellery to trade customers across the UK. Our clients include major high-street brands as well as a valued network of independent jewellers. We are passionate about delivering beautifully crafted, high-quality jewellery that offers exceptional value for money. Our success is built on long-standing supplier relationships and an experienced, dedicated team where every contribution is valued and collaboration is encouraged. If you are a commercially driven jewellery buying professional looking to make a significant impact within a respected and growing business, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary.
- Pension Scheme.
- 25+ days + bank holidays a holiday a year rising to 28.
- 24-hour Employment assistance programme.
Lead Jewellery Buyer - CME Leicester Ltd employer: CME Jewellery
CME Leicester Ltd is an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration within a friendly, family-run environment. With nearly 50 years in the jewellery industry, we offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and development. Join us in Leicester to make a meaningful impact on our buying function while enjoying the benefits of a dedicated team and strong supplier relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Jewellery Buyer - CME Leicester Ltd
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend jewellery trade events and connect with suppliers and industry peers. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on market trends and product development. This will demonstrate your passion and knowledge in the jewellery sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like CME Leicester Ltd, and express your interest in working with them. You never know what might come of it!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Apply through StudySmarter to streamline your application process. We’re here to help you land that dream role, so make sure you take advantage of all the resources we offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Jewellery Buyer - CME Leicester Ltd
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Jewellery:When writing your application, let your love for jewellery shine through! Share specific examples of your experience in the sector and how it fuels your creativity and decision-making. We want to see that you’re not just a buyer, but someone who truly understands and appreciates the art of jewellery.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in buying, trend forecasting, and supplier relationships. We’re looking for someone who can lead our buying function, so show us how your skills align with our needs!
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves performance analysis and market execution, include any relevant metrics or achievements in your application. We love numbers, so if you’ve improved margins or sales in previous roles, shout about it! It’ll help us see your commercial acumen.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our family-run business!
How to prepare for a job interview at CME Jewellery
✨Know Your Jewellery Trends
Before the interview, dive deep into current jewellery trends and market insights. Familiarise yourself with recent collections from competitors and be ready to discuss how you can leverage this knowledge to shape CME's buying strategy.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured favourable terms or improved supplier relationships. Highlight your approach to achieving target margins and how you can apply these skills to enhance CME's supplier base.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Prowess
Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles to drive sales performance. Bring specific examples of how you've identified profit drivers and improved product selection based on market performance.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
CME values teamwork, so prepare to talk about how you've successfully collaborated with internal teams in the past. Share instances where your collaborative approach led to successful product launches or improved buying plans.
