Senior Manager, Buying (FTC) in London

Senior Manager, Buying (FTC) in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Coach Stores Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead buying strategies and drive performance for Coach's Men's & Lifestyle categories.
  • Company: Join Coach, a global fashion house with a commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, discounts, and health benefits.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the luxury fashion industry while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in Buying & Planning with strong analytical and leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Coach is a global fashion house founded in New York in 1941. Inspired by the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers and the inclusive and courageous spirit of our hometown, we make beautiful things, crafted to last—for you to be yourself in. Coach is part of the Tapestry portfolio – a global house of brands committed to stretching what’s possible.

Primary Purpose: The Senior Manager, Buying will lead the strategic and operational execution of product investment for Coach Europe Men's & Lifestyle categories and drive in-season performance against financial targets across the region and channels. This role will be instrumental in executing brand, product, and planning strategies.

The successful individual will leverage their proficiency in Buying & Planning to:

  • Define and execute Men's & Lifestyle buying strategies, product selections and door/online assortments, which drives consumer engagement across channels.
  • Own the delivery of seasonal buy reviews, hindsight meetings, and management of the seasonal milestone calendar.
  • Lead weekly team business reviews and deliver financial overviews with clear strategic actions to senior leadership.
  • Drive category performance against sales, margin, and inventory objectives by identifying in-season opportunities, mitigating risks, and recommending trading actions and promotional strategies aligned to AOP and SMI targets.
  • Analyse and interpret product performance, customer feedback, consumer trends, competitor activity and regional insights to inform decision-making and provide actionable recommendations to Global Merchandising teams.
  • Lead the team in delivering accurate and timely monthly reporting activities, partnering closely with Finance and Inventory Management teams.
  • Partner with Inventory Management to review on-hand inventory and own activities to facilitate meeting Global WOH/turn targets, proposing actions with timelines to support.
  • Mentor and develop team members and foster a high-performance culture.
  • Partner with the Wholesale Sales team to lead the coordination of go-to-market assets for Men's & Lifestyle categories in region.
  • Develop the future Made-To-Forecast strategy and drive growth for the Wholesale Men's & Lifestyle business through tiering strategies, product alignment and highlighting regional product nuances to support local market requirements.
  • Work closely with Wholesale and Marketplace teams to ensure consistent product and promotional alignment, leveraging performance and inventory insights to optimise results across channels.
  • Partner with the Allocation team to drive activity and prioritisation for Men's & Lifestyle allocations, taking floor set launch dates and peak trading into consideration.
  • Meet with the Trading Manager and Inventory Management team annually and monthly to review AOP and changes reflective of sales and markets trends. Propose shifts for buys to ensure AOP targets are met.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key regional and global stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration and alignment across the business.
  • Champion best practices and continuous improvement initiatives, driving team productivity, operational excellence, and a strong understanding of business priorities.
  • Conduct ad hoc analysis, forecasting, and scenario planning to support trading decisions, business performance, and future growth opportunities.

The accomplished individual will possess:

  • 7+ years' Buying and Planning experience, with proven success managing multi-category assortments, including handbags and accessories.
  • Multi-channel buying experience, including Outlet, eCommerce and Marketplace.
  • Strong commercial, analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to leverage data and key business drivers to maximise performance.
  • Advanced Excel skills.
  • People leadership experience, with the ability to develop and motivate high-performing teams.
  • Knowledge of the luxury fashion and accessories market.
  • Experience working within a global organisation and supporting European markets.
  • Strategic and customer-focused mindset, with the ability to translate insights into actionable business strategies.
  • Solutions-oriented, agile and able to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across regional and global teams.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to align teams around priorities and business objectives.

Please be advised that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. As such, you will only be considered if you already possess the right to work in the UK.

What Tapestry can offer you:

  • Hybrid working (3 days working from the office, 2 days remote).
  • Option to finish early on a Friday (Flex Fridays).
  • 1 Paid Volunteering Day per year and opportunities to volunteer with global projects.
  • Learning & Development opportunities.
  • Internal mobility & career progression.
  • Regular Social Events - Seasonal & Cultural.
  • Equity Inclusion & Diversity initiatives which include employee resource groups & regional inclusion council.

Other benefits include:

  • 25 days holiday in addition to bank holidays.
  • Multi brand discount up to 50% off – Coach and Kate Spade.
  • Private Healthcare with health assessment (Bupa).
  • Bupa rewards - Financial wellbeing support and wellness discounts.
  • Private Dental Cover.
  • Free 24/7 support for family building, fertility and menopause with Maven.
  • Eyecare vouchers.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Employer Pension Contribution.
  • Gym discount.
  • Interest free season ticket loan.
  • Cycle to work scheme.

At Tapestry, we are committed to building a diverse & inclusive workforce. We know that having a wide range of perspectives and experiences makes us more innovative and brings us closer to our consumers. If you are interested in this role but do not believe you meet all the set criteria, that’s ok. We are happy to work with individuals who have the drive, passion, agility and willingness to learn. So, take a chance and apply; you may just be who we are looking for. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Tapestry is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we pride ourselves on hiring and developing the best people. All employment decisions (including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, transfer, training, discipline and termination) are based on the applicant’s or employee’s qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration. These decisions are made without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally-recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.

Senior Manager, Buying (FTC) in London employer: Coach Stores Limited

At Coach Stores Limited in Leeds, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where our Luxury Retail Sales Associates can thrive. With a strong emphasis on personal development, we offer comprehensive training and growth opportunities, alongside competitive benefits that support work-life balance. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional client experiences in the heart of luxury retail.

Coach Stores Limited

Contact Details:

Coach Stores Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Buying (FTC) in London

Get Down to the Fashion Events

Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Coach Stores Limited!

Join Fashion-Focused Communities

Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Coach Stores Limited.

Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio

Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Coach Stores Limited.

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Coach Stores Limited!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Buying (FTC) in London

Buying & Planning
Product Selection
Financial Acumen
Data Analysis
Inventory Management
Stakeholder Management
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!

Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Coach Stores Limited.

Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Coach Stores Limited!

Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Coach Stores Limited. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!

How to prepare for a job interview at Coach Stores Limited

Showcase Your Style Portfolio

For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!

Know the Latest Trends and Brands

Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.

Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills

In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Dress the Part

This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!