Senior Buyer - Home Textiles in Manchester

Senior Buyer Home Textiles

Location: Fully Office-Based (with occasional international travel)

We are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to join one of the UKs fastest growing online home retailer specialising in homeware products. In this role, you will play a key part in shaping the product range growing business, which covers home textiles including cushions, bedding, throws, towels and curtains. Your duties will include:

• Product Range Creation: Develop and curate commercial product ranges that meet the needs of our target consumers.
• Sales Data Analysis: Review sales data to identify trends, top performers, and underperforming products, taking corrective action as necessary.
• Team Leadership: Lead a team of Senior Merchandisers, Junior Buyers, and Buying Assistants to ensure deadlines and departmental goals are met.
• Product Development Process: Oversee the full product development process, from sampling (lab dips, strike-offs) to final approvals (red seals, gold seals).
• Supplier & Factory Management: Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, primarily in China. Negotiate pricing and terms, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Trend and Competitor Analysis: Stay on top of emerging trends in homeware, garden, and furniture, and regularly assess competitors to ensure our offerings remain competitive.
• Collaborate with Ecommerce to help support campaigns and photo shoots
• Range Expansion: Assist in the expansion of product ranges across various categories, including garden range, home textiles and furniture.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 3-4 years in a buying role preferable in home textiles or homeware, furniture, or similar categories with a solid work history within a retail environment
• Strong understanding of product ranges, sales analysis, and margin management.
• Experience in managing teams and delegating tasks effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Proficient in Excel and data analysis, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Able to contribute new ideas for product development based on market trends.
• Supply Chain Knowledge
• Comfortable negotiating with suppliers/factors with Far East experience
• Market awareness of home vale retailers/competitors

Ideal Candidate:

• Opportunities for international travel
• 25 days holiday
• Extensive Career progression
• Hours are M-F 8-4 or 9-5
• Free parking