Senior Buyer in London

Senior Buyer in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 75000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and innovate in buying and product development for our premium Home category.
  • Company: Join a prestigious luxury brand in the heart of Piccadilly, London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to 40% discount, 25 days holiday, and a subsidised staff restaurant.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on luxury products while developing your career in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in luxury buying and product development with a strong design aesthetic.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal growth.

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

Location: Piccadilly, London (Flagship store – 5th & 6th floors, a short walk from Green Park Tube). Our Head Office sits in the heart of Piccadilly, across the 5th and 6th floors of our beautiful flagship store. This vibrant central London location offers unbeatable access to restaurants, bars, cultural sites, shopping and more—plus excellent transport links via Green Park and multiple bus routes.

The Role

Lead, develop, and implement the buying and product development strategy for our Home category—delivering a highly curated, premium assortment that reflects our heritage, quality standards, and customer expectations. You’ll own the full product lifecycle from concept and sourcing through to launch and in‑season trading, driving commercial performance, innovation, and brand differentiation.

Key Measures of Success

  • Sales growth and margin delivery across Home
  • Successful launch of innovative, brand‑aligned ranges
  • Strong supplier performance and uncompromising product quality
  • High team engagement, development, and progression

What You’ll Do

Buying & Range Strategy

  • Define and own the Home buying strategy aligned to brand vision, customer insight, and commercial targets across all channels.
  • Build and maintain a balanced, luxury assortment across tableware, serveware, gifting, kitchen accessories, candles, linens, and seasonal ranges.
  • Lead seasonal range planning, open‑to‑buy, and margin delivery; own the buying calendar.
  • Identify white‑space opportunities, emerging trends, and category extensions that complement our luxury food offer.

Product Development

  • Lead NPD across own‑label, exclusive, and collaborative ranges.
  • Translate brand DNA into compelling product concepts with clear direction on design, materials, quality, and packaging.
  • Manage briefs, critical paths, costings, and timelines from concept to launch; present ROI proposals for sign‑off with Merchandising.
  • Ensure all products meet luxury quality standards, sustainability objectives, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain sharp awareness of market trends and competitor activity.
  • Source and develop relationships with best‑in‑class global artisans, manufacturers, and premium suppliers.
  • Negotiate commercial terms, MOQs, lead times, exclusivity, and margin structures.
  • Oversee ethical sourcing, quality assurance, and compliance.

Commercial Performance & Trading

  • Own category trading performance: sales, margin, and stock efficiency.
  • Monitor in‑season performance, acting on rebuys, markdowns, and exits.
  • Partner with Merchandising and Supply Chain to optimise availability and stock flow.
  • Partner with Marketing, Creative, and Retail to deliver cohesive storytelling and exceptional product launches.
  • Lead product input into campaigns, seasonal themes, visual merchandising, and promotional calendars.
  • Develop high‑profile collaborations and limited‑edition collections; deliver internal product training.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing Buying & Product Development team.
  • Work cross‑functionally with Food Buying, Merchandising, Design, Quality, Operations, and Finance.
  • Act as the senior commercial voice for Home, and support Buyers/ABs with critical paths and on‑time delivery.

About You – Experience & Qualifications

  • Senior buying & product development experience within luxury, premium, or heritage brands
  • Strong background in Home, Tableware, Gifting, or design‑led categories
  • Demonstrable NPD, own‑label, and exclusive range leadership
  • Excellent commercial acumen with P&L ownership and margin management
  • Established network of premium and artisan suppliers
  • Understanding of sustainability challenges and opportunities
  • Experience in luxury food, hospitality, or lifestyle‑led brands
  • Exposure to ethical sourcing and premium packaging innovation
  • Track record launching collaborations/limited editions
  • Strong people leadership with a passion for growing talent
  • Highly aesthetic with an exceptional eye for design, quality, and detail
  • Commercial yet brand‑led decision‑maker; confident senior influencer and negotiator
  • Passion for food culture, entertaining, and the luxury lifestyle
  • Clear, compelling communicator—able to present simply and powerfully
  • Sharp focus on margin, risk, and operational excellence

Why Work With Us

  • Up to 40% discount in our store and restaurants
  • 25 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays) and an extra day off for your birthday
  • A fantastic subsidised staff restaurant which uses Fortnum’s ingredients
  • A range of opportunities to develop and grow personally and professionally
  • We’re committed to developing your career and nurturing your talent—regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
  • We respect and embrace each other’s differences to create a truly inclusive environment.
  • In the last year alone, our people have been recognised with awards across Retail, Technology, Global Hospitality & Tourism, Visual Merchandising & Display, Customer Service, and the Local Community.

Senior Buyer in London employer: Fortnum & Mason

Located in the vibrant heart of Piccadilly, our flagship store offers an exceptional work environment for a Senior Buyer, combining a rich cultural backdrop with unparalleled access to luxury dining and shopping. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture that prioritises employee growth, providing numerous opportunities for professional development and recognition in various fields. With generous benefits such as up to 40% discount in-store, 25 days of holiday plus your birthday off, and a commitment to nurturing talent, we are dedicated to creating a rewarding workplace for all.
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Contact Detail:

Fortnum & Mason Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their brand vision and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their ethos.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Senior Buyer. Highlight your experience in product development and supplier management, and don’t forget to showcase your passion for luxury and quality.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and culture.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in London

Buying Strategy Development
Product Development
NPD Leadership
Commercial Acumen
P&L Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Market Trend Analysis
Sustainability Knowledge
Team Leadership
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Visual Merchandising
Luxury Brand Understanding
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for the Home category shine through! We want to see how your love for luxury products and design aligns with our brand's vision.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in buying and product development. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your success in launching innovative ranges and managing supplier relationships.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that communicates your skills and achievements without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at our flagship store in Piccadilly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Fortnum & Mason

✨Know Your Product Inside Out

As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the Home category. Research current trends in tableware, gifting, and kitchen accessories. Be ready to discuss how you would curate a premium assortment that aligns with the brand's heritage and quality standards.

✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Prepare to talk about your experience with P&L ownership and margin management. Bring examples of how you've driven sales growth and improved stock efficiency in previous roles. This will show that you can own category trading performance effectively.

✨Highlight Your Supplier Relationships

Discuss your established network of premium and artisan suppliers. Be specific about how you’ve negotiated commercial terms and ensured ethical sourcing in past projects. This will illustrate your ability to maintain high product quality and sustainability objectives.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve led and developed high-performing teams. Talk about your approach to cross-functional collaboration and how you inspire others to achieve their best. This is crucial for a role that involves managing a Buying & Product Development team.

Senior Buyer in London
Fortnum & Mason
Location: London

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