Head of Retail Buying

Quest Search & Selection are recruiting for a Head of Retail Buying to lead the end-to-end buying strategy across branded hardlines categories, driving product, supplier, and trading performance.

This is a high-profile leadership role working closely with the Trading Director to shape a strong branded product mix, deliver effective trading plans, and build high-performing supplier partnerships.

An exciting opportunity to drive growth within a fast-paced omnichannel retailer.

Key Responsibilities of this Head of Retail Buying role –

• Lead and define the overall buying strategy across 5–7 retail categories, aligning with wider commercial objectives
• Translate business goals into clear category strategies and trading plans
• Drive sales, margin, and growth through range optimisation, pricing, and supplier negotiations
• Lead supplier strategy, including onboarding new brands and optimising the supplier base
• Partner closely with the Merchandising team to align stock, space, and range strategies
• Lead weekly trading reviews, ensuring clear commercial accountability across performance metrics
• Protect margin through effective pricing and promotional strategies.
• Lead, develop, and performance-manage the buying team, setting clear KPIs across sales, margin, and stock

Key Requirements of this Head of Retail Buying role:

• 3–5+ years’ experience operating at Head of Buying, Buying Director, or Senior Buying Manager level
• Circa 10+ years’ total experience within retail buying
• Strong background in branded, non-fashion general merchandise (e.g. Home & Garden, DIY, Electricals, Utilities)
• Proven track record of owning trading performance and delivering category growth or turnaround
• Ideally have experience leading and developing multi-layered buying teams
• Highly commercial with strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills
• Data-led, decisive, and comfortable operating within fast-paced, evolving environments

Benefits of this Head of Retail Buying role:

• Brand new head office ( this is a fully WIO position)
• Pension
• Bonus
• Private Medical care

If this sounds like you and you are keen to apply for this Head of Buying & have the right skills, please apply today!

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