The Head of Buying & Merchandising shapes and executes the global product and buying strategy, translating the brand’s creative vision and client insight into a compelling, commercially strong assortment that drives profitable growth.
With ownership from collection planning and buying through to in-season trade, margin and inventory, the role ensures a consistent brand offer tailored to the needs of different channels and markets.
Working closely with Design, Production, Retail, E-commerce, Wholesale, Marketing and Finance, the successful candidate will combine strategic thinking, strong product instinct and financial discipline with the energy and pace to turn insight into action.
Role Overview
The Head of Buying & Merchandising shapes and executes the global product and buying strategy, translating the brand’s creative vision and client insight into a compelling, commercially strong assortment that drives profitable growth.
With ownership from collection planning and buying through to in-season trade, margin and inventory, the role ensures a consistent brand offer tailored to the needs of different channels and markets.
Working closely with Design, Production, Retail, E-commerce, Wholesale, Marketing and Finance, the successful candidate will combine strategic thinking, strong product instinct and financial discipline with the energy and pace to turn insight into action.
Key Responsibilities
Collection Strategy & Buying
- Lead global collection merchandising and buying strategy, aligning the brand vision with client needs and commercial objectives.
- Develop range architecture across categories, styles, materials, colours and price points, balancing signature products, continuity and newness.
- Translate client feedback, market insight and trading performance into product briefs, collection reviews and assortment decisions.
- Own buy breadth, depth and investment across channels and markets, maintaining a coherent global offer with relevant retail exclusive opportunities
- Partner with Design, Production and Finance to align product development, pricing, margin and delivery with seasonal and long-term ambitions.
Trade & Commercial Performance
- Lead weekly trading, translating sales, sell-through, margin and inventory performance into clear actions.
- Identify opportunities to grow key products, categories and markets, attract new clients and address underperformance.
- Adjust forecasts, investment, replenishment, allocation and intake in response to demand.
- Align Retail, E-commerce, Wholesale and Marketing around launches, product priorities and selling opportunities.
- Provide senior leadership with forward-looking commercial insight and recommendations.
Planning, Inventory & Profitability
- Own seasonal and annual plans across sales, margin, inventory, intake and Open-to-Buy.
- Use forecasting and scenario planning to balance growth opportunities with cash flow and inventory exposure.
- Drive inventory productivity through effective allocation, replenishment and continuity strategies.
- Align production and deliveries with demand, managing slow-moving stock while protecting brand positioning.
- Identify margin opportunities and ensure investment decisions consider sales, profitability and inventory together.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Act as the commercial hub of the business, aligning teams around clear collection and trading priorities.
- Lead and develop the Buying & Merchandising function, creating ownership, accountability and momentum.
- Improve planning tools, reporting and processes to support better, faster decisions.
- Listen, influence and challenge constructively, ensuring decisions translate into action.
Experience & Capabilities
- Significant buying and merchandising experience within luxury fashion, leather goods or accessories.
- Strong collection merchandising, range architecture and assortment planning skills across channels and markets.
- Exceptional commercial judgement, product instinct and an understanding of luxury clients.
- Strong financial planning, forecasting, Open-to-Buy, margin and inventory management skills.
- Analytical and commercially creative, able to turn client and performance insight into clear opportunities.
- An engaging, decisive leader who can develop teams, influence cross-functionally and drive change.
- Able to balance immediate trading performance with long-term growth and brand integrity.
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Head of Buying and Merchandising employer: Métier
Métier is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and ambitious work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in the luxury fashion industry. With a focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to take on diverse responsibilities and gain invaluable insights into the workings of a fast-growing brand. Located in London, our small yet dynamic team offers a unique opportunity to be part of a global vision while enjoying the benefits of working in a creative and supportive environment.
