At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for a sustainable fashion brand and drive positive change.
- Company: Join OMNES, a forward-thinking brand committed to transforming the fashion industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to make an impact, and work with a passionate team.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of sustainable fashion and shape the future of shopping.
- Qualifications: 7-12+ years in fashion buying with strong commercial instincts.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
As one of the world’s most prolific polluters, and with 85% of all textiles ending up in landfill, the fashion industry’s detrimental impact is vast, and improving the way it operates will make a huge, positive difference to the future of our planet. OMNES means ‘all’. It’s our name because we are all in this together. We created OMNES to help change the way you shop, wear and think about clothing. And to encourage the rest of the industry to do it, too. We want to do fashion differently. We want to make it better. Together.
Role Overview
We’re looking for a commercially sharp, product-obsessed Head of Buying to lead the OMNES assortment across all channels. This role owns the end-to-end buying strategy - balancing trend, brand identity, margin, and scale - while building a best-in-class function to support rapid growth in the UK and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and deliver seasonal buying strategy aligned to brand positioning and growth targets
- Build balanced ranges across occasionwear, daywear, and key categories
- Own intake margin, markdown strategy, and sell-through performance
- Partner with Merchandising on OTB, WSSI, and stock planning
- Translate trends into commercially viable product
- Build and manage supplier base across UK, Europe, and international markets
- Work cross-functionally with Design, Marketing, E-commerce, and Retail teams
- Build and lead a high-performing buying team
- Adapt product strategy across D2C, retail, and marketplaces
Key KPIs
- Sell-through and full-price sell-through
- Intake and exit margin
- Return rate
- Stock turn
- Revenue growth by category
Candidate Profile
- 7–12+ years in fashion buying
- Experience scaling brands
- Strong commercial and product instinct
- Deep understanding of pricing and margin
- Strong supplier negotiation skills
What Success Looks Like (First 12 Months)
- Improved full-price sell-through
- Reduced return rates
- Stronger supplier relationships
- Clear and elevated product ranges
- High-performing buying team in place
Reporting Line
Reports to CEO / Founder. Works closely with Design, Merchandising, Marketing, and E-commerce.
Head of Buying in London employer: OMNES
Contact Detail:
OMNES Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend fashion events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. At OMNES, they’re all about sustainability and innovation, so show them you’re on board with their mission and ready to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience in fashion buying and how you can contribute to their goals. We want to hear how you can help improve sell-through rates and build strong supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainable Fashion: When writing your application, let your love for sustainable fashion shine through. We want to see how you align with our mission at OMNES to change the way we shop and think about clothing. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in the industry.
Highlight Your Buying Expertise: Make sure to showcase your extensive experience in fashion buying. We’re looking for someone who can define and deliver a seasonal buying strategy, so include specific examples of how you've successfully managed product assortments and driven sales in previous roles.
Be Commercially Sharp: We need a Head of Buying who understands the numbers! In your application, emphasise your strong commercial instincts and your ability to balance trends with margin and brand identity. Use metrics from your past roles to illustrate your success in driving revenue growth and managing stock effectively.
Tailor Your Application to Us: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to OMNES and the role. Mention how your skills and experiences directly relate to our goals and values. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get your application in front of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at OMNES
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Buying, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance indicators like sell-through rates and margins. Brush up on these metrics before the interview, and be ready to discuss how you've improved them in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Trend Insight
The fashion industry is all about trends, so come prepared with examples of how you've translated trends into commercially viable products. Bring along a few ideas that align with OMNES's brand identity to show your proactive thinking.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with design, marketing, or e-commerce teams in the past. This will show your ability to work within a team-oriented environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As you'll be building and leading a high-performing buying team, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare stories that showcase your ability to mentor, motivate, and manage a team effectively, especially in a fast-paced environment.