At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor the buying team while driving profit margins and supplier management.
- Company: Join a people-focused fashion business with strong values and excellent customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a bonus scheme, and a 5% employer pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid working available after probation; candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to Northern Ireland.
- Why this job: Be part of the senior leadership team and shape the future of buying and merchandising.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Lead Buyer/Senior Buyer with strong negotiation and team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Buyer/Senior Buyer to be part of the senior leadership team as a Head of Buying & Merchandising. This business has strong values centred around people focused with 1st class customer service being a non-negotiable.
Responsibilities
- Leading negotiations and supplier management
- Agree budgets and targets for the commercial team
- Lead, mentor and develop the commercial buying team
- Play a key role in the company annual strategy meetings
- Drive margins and profit for stock buying
- Preparation of monthly board reports
- Attend supplier visits internally and externally
Experience / Qualifications
- A Lead Buyer/Senior Buyer with proven team management experience with direct reports
- Comfortable working closely with the Board and within a Senior Leadership role
- Knowledge of Buying highly trend led categories within fashion or homeware
- Excellent supplier management and onboarding new suppliers
- 1st class negotiation and numerical skills
- People orientated - proven experience of coaching and developing a team
Hybrid working available after successful completion of probation. Flex working hours. Bonus Scheme. 5% Employer pension contribution. Death in service.
Candidates must have full right to work in the UK/Northern Ireland. This role requires suitable candidates to be living in Northern Ireland or willing to relocate to NI. Remote working is not available.
Details
- Seniority level: Director
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Supply Chain
- Industries: Retail and Retail Apparel and Fashion
Head of Buying & Merchandising employer: dSb Recruitment Consultancy Ltd.
Contact Detail:
dSb Recruitment Consultancy Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying & Merchandising
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fashion and retail industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals. Remember, they want to see how you can contribute to their team and culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you successfully managed suppliers or drove profit margins. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact and how you can bring that to their business.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying & Merchandising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Buying & Merchandising role. Highlight your experience in team management and supplier negotiations, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in driving margins and profit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for fashion and how your values align with ours. Don’t forget to mention your experience in coaching and developing teams, as we value people-oriented leaders.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and percentages to demonstrate how you’ve driven success in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!
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 team!
How to prepare for a job interview at dSb Recruitment Consultancy Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Buying & Merchandising, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to margins and profit, and be ready to discuss how you've driven these in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading and mentoring a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Think of specific instances where you've successfully developed team members or navigated challenges within a team. Highlight your people-oriented mindset and how it aligns with the company's values.
✨Master Supplier Management
Supplier management is crucial for this position. Research the company’s current suppliers and be ready to discuss your experience in onboarding new suppliers. Share your negotiation strategies and any successful partnerships you've built in the past to illustrate your expertise.
✨Align with Company Values
The company places a strong emphasis on customer service and people-focused values. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your own experiences align with them. Be ready to articulate how you can contribute to maintaining and enhancing these values in your role.