At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development for home décor, kitchen, and bathroom categories.
- Company: Join a growing online retailer focused on homeware and décor.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, early finishes, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-performing team with significant autonomy.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years experience as a Buyer, ideally in homeware or similar.
- Other info: Office-based role with free parking and close transport links.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
This growing online/ecommerce retailer is looking for a talented and driven Buyer to join our expanding team. You will take ownership of the Home Décor, Kitchen, and Bathroom categories within a major growth area of the business.
About the Role
This is a key role in a high-performing department. You’ll take full responsibility for building and developing ranges across multiple home categories, collaborating closely with the Head of Buying, fellow Buyers, Merchandisers, with support from a Buying Admin Assistant. The role offers significant autonomy and the chance to make a real impact on commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead product development across home décor, kitchen, and bathroom, with a focus on sourcing from China and Pakistan.
- Manage the full buying process – from concept, quoting, and supplier catalogues to trend analysis and seasonal sign-off.
- Build ranges in line with business strategy and customer trends.
- Product development from scratch.
- Maintain regular supplier contact to ensure smooth critical paths, pricing agreements, and timely launches.
- Attend UK comp shops, analyse market trends, and review supplier innovations.
- Represent the category at weekly trade meetings with senior leadership.
- Ensuring shipping and launches are dealt with.
- Dealing with price negotiations with suppliers.
- Collaborate with merchandising and admin teams to support successful product launches.
What We’re Looking For
- A Buyer with a strong direct retail or online retailer experience, perhaps you’re a Junior Buyer with 2-3 years’ experience ready for your next move.
- Ideally homeware, textiles, furniture, home décor or similar experience.
- Proven experience working with international suppliers, particularly in China and Pakistan.
- Please note: this role would not suit someone from a fast fashion, clothing or supplier background; this role would suit someone from a retailer background.
- Data-literate, trend-savvy, and confident managing your own categories.
- Product development experience.
- Please note this is an office-based role, not hybrid.
What’s on offer:
- Free parking and close to transport links.
- 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays.
- Working hours are 8-4 or 9-5 with a 4 pm finish on a Friday.
- Early finish on your birthday, plus a birthday box surprise.
- Access to football tickets.
- Career progression.
- Employee discounts.
Buyer Homeware employer: MCI Concrete
Contact Detail:
MCI Concrete Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer Homeware
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in homeware, particularly in home décor, kitchen, and bathroom categories. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion and knowledge about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the homeware sector, especially those who have experience working with suppliers from China and Pakistan. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in product development and how you've successfully managed buying processes. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to analyse market trends and collaborate with teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the competitive landscape by visiting UK comp shops and analysing their offerings. This will give you a solid understanding of what works in the market and help you articulate your insights during discussions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer Homeware
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying, particularly in homeware, kitchen, and bathroom categories. Emphasise any direct retail or online retail experience, and include specific examples of product development and supplier management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for homeware and your understanding of market trends. Mention your experience with international suppliers, especially from China and Pakistan, and how you can contribute to the company's growth in these categories.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since the role requires being data-literate, include examples of how you've used data to inform buying decisions or trend analysis in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to manage categories effectively.
Prepare for Interviews: If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your approach to product development and how you handle supplier negotiations. Prepare to share insights on current homeware trends and how you would apply them to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at MCI Concrete
✨Showcase Your Product Development Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in product development, especially in homeware. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully built ranges or sourced products, particularly from international suppliers like those in China and Pakistan.
✨Demonstrate Your Trend Awareness
Research current trends in home décor, kitchen, and bathroom categories before the interview. Be ready to share insights on what’s popular and how you would incorporate these trends into your buying strategy.
✨Prepare for Supplier Negotiations
Since price negotiations are a key part of the role, think of examples where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers. Discuss your approach and any challenges you faced, as this will show your capability in managing supplier relationships.
✨Engage with the Team Dynamic
Understand the importance of collaboration in this role. Be ready to talk about how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams in the past, such as merchandising and admin, to ensure successful product launches and smooth operations.