At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy and create impactful fashion collections for a sustainable future.
- Company: Join OMNES, a brand committed to changing the fashion industry for the better.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape the future of fashion, and work with a passionate team.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on sustainability and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the fashion world while driving growth and innovation.
- Qualifications: 7-12+ years in fashion buying with strong commercial instincts and negotiation skills.
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 Slough employer: OMNES
Contact Detail:
OMNES Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend fashion events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. 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
Show off your passion for sustainable fashion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your commitment to changing the industry for the better. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, product lines, and market position. We want you to walk in there ready to discuss how you can elevate their buying strategy and contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying in Slough
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 intake margins.
Tailor Your Application to Us: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for OMNES. Mention how your skills and experiences align with 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 anecdotes that showcase your ability to mentor, motivate, and manage a team effectively, especially in a fast-paced environment.