At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new product ranges and manage margins in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join MILES, a global leader in supply chain management with a creative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and exposure to end-to-end product design.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and collaboration with global teams.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing fashion and lifestyle business making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in homeware categories and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities? Here is what you need to know about the job:
Location: Camden, London
We are recruiting for a Senior Buyer - Homeware within our Homeware and General Merchandise team based in Camden, London.
Working type: Hybrid Working – 3 Days in the Office
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent – 37.5 hours a week (Monday to Friday)
About the Company
MILES is a globally acting end-to-end supply chain management company which creates holistic product concepts from development, sourcing, production to final delivery and marketing. MILES is part of the Li & Fung Group with a fantastic portfolio of customers.
About the Role
The successful candidate will work on a range of accounts and general merchandise product ranges. The successful candidate will work closely with the wider global team, driving new product ranges and categories and managing margins carefully.
Qualifications & Key Responsibilities
- Experienced and has previously worked with all homeware categories
- Liaise with Buyers and Category Managers and own these specific accounts and have sales targets
- Able to create commercial ranges that are right for our customers. Ensure that all categories are profitable and achieving good margins
- Experience overseeing and signing off the sample process – lab dips/strike offs, red and gold seals
- Strong understanding of our customer requirements, competitors, and marketplace trends
- Experience working to deadlines and launch dates with multiple customers
- Experience carrying out in-store and online competitor analysis and SWOT reports to assist new product development
- Able to follow the Product Development process from initial ideas to launch. Spend a great amount of time analysing the marketplace and trends to offer our customers the trending products
- Familiar working with margins and cost of goods. The key is to identify the margin the customer wants to make and work on calculations based on this
- Experienced working with overseas suppliers and factories. Attend trade fairs for design inspiration and source new suppliers.
- Flexible and comfortable working in a very fast-paced environment
- A great communicator and able to work with various stakeholders at all levels
- Confident, outgoing and well presented
- Resilient and solutions focussed
This role may involve travel to our customer’s offices and occasional overseas travel to factories. Please ensure you have the Right to Work in the UK before applying for this position.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to work with a growing fashion and lifestyle business
- A collaborative, creative, and commercially focused team environment
- Exposure to end-to-end product and packaging design, from concept to retail
- Competitive salary
If this sounds like you, Apply Now!
As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Senior Buyer - Homeware employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
MILES is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant area of Camden, London, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. As part of the Li & Fung Group, employees benefit from exposure to a global network and opportunities for professional growth within a fast-paced environment. With a focus on end-to-end product development and a commitment to employee well-being, MILES provides a competitive salary and a supportive atmosphere for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the homeware sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Homeware
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co, 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Homeware
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 Dormont Manufacturing Co, 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨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!
