At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying cycle for stylish fabrics and textiles, from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Loaf, a leading UK furniture brand known for comfy sofas and homewares.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, healthcare cash plan, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious team making a real impact in the homeware industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or retail, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for product.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Loaf we make insanely comfy sofas, beds and homewares that help people lead more comfortable lives. Founded in 2008, Loaf has steadily grown each year to become one of the leading premium furniture and homeware brands in the UK. We now have 12 Shacks (stores to everyone else!), with more on the way. It's an exciting time to join an ambitious business.
The Buyer is responsible for developing and delivering commercially successful, on brand fabric & textiles ranges that support Loaf’s overall product strategy and growth objectives. Working closely with the Category Lead, the Buyer owns defined product areas and manages the end-to-end buying cycle from concept through to launch. The role combines creative product development with strong commercial accountability, ensuring margin targets, quality standards and launch deadlines are consistently achieved. The Buyer works cross-functionally with Demand Planning, Supplier Management, Product Tech and Marketing while building effective supplier partnerships to deliver exceptional products that resonate with our customers.
The Job
- Support the Category Lead in delivering the overall range strategy and product roadmap.
- Own defined product areas within the range, managing both new development and continuity lines.
- Develop range plans, ensuring clear price architecture and margin delivery.
- Lead product development from concept to launch, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and customer expectations.
- Negotiate cost prices, minimum order quantities and lead times to achieve agreed margin targets.
- Manage supplier relationships, maintaining strong and collaborative partnerships and monitoring performance against KPIs.
- Manage and maintain the critical path to ensure product launches are delivered on time.
- Work closely with Demand Planning to review forecasts, intake planning and stock performance.
- Analyse sales performance, customer feedback and competitor activity to inform trading decisions and future development.
- Identify risks and opportunities and propose appropriate commercial actions.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Web teams to ensure accurate product information and strong launch execution.
- Attend sealing sessions and range reviews, ensuring product quality and consistency.
- Provide guidance and support to more junior team members where appropriate.
We're looking for Experience
- Previous experience in a Buying or Junior Buyer role within a retail environment.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial terms.
- Demonstrated experience delivering against sales and margin targets.
- Experience managing product development cycles and critical paths from concept through to launch.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret data and make informed, timely decisions.
- Confident negotiator with the ability to influence and build effective supplier partnerships.
- Highly organised, able to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams.
- Clear and proactive communicator, comfortable working cross-functionally.
- Proficient in MS Office and Google Suite.
Attributes & Behaviours
- Passionate about product and customer experience.
- Commercially minded and outcome focused.
- Accountable and dependable, following through on commitments.
- Collaborative team player who builds positive working relationships.
- Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment.
Some Of Our Benefits
- 25 days holiday, increasing by 1 day each year for 3 years, plus 8 days for bank holidays.
- Enhanced family leave policy.
- Staff and friends and family discount scheme.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- EAP programme.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Half a day for Christmas shopping.
- Life Assurance - 4 times annual salary.
What's it like working at Loaf?
We are a forward-thinking, friendly bunch committed to building a fabulous company with brilliant people. The customer is at the heart of everything we do and we're always striving for better, more efficient ways to deliver to the highest standard. As a business, we're working really hard to be inclusive. No matter what identity or background, we want everyone to feel welcome in a place where we can all be ourselves. We'd love you to join us on our journey.
Lead Buyer (Fabric & Textiles) - 12 Month FTC employer: Loaf (Loaf.com)
At Loaf, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values creativity and collaboration. As a Lead Buyer in our dynamic team, you'll enjoy comprehensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, enhanced family leave, and opportunities for personal growth, all while contributing to a brand that prioritises customer experience and product excellence. Join us in our mission to create comfortable living spaces and be part of a forward-thinking company that truly values its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Buyer (Fabric & Textiles) - 12 Month FTC
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Buyer (Fabric & Textiles) - 12 Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Loaf (Loaf.com):Don’t forget to personalise your application for Loaf (Loaf.com)! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loaf (Loaf.com)
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Loaf (Loaf.com) offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Loaf (Loaf.com) and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
