At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development and buying strategies for a luxury homeware brand.
- Company: Join Rebecca Udall, a fast-growing global luxury homeware brand.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 80% off samples, extended holidays, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that champions craftsmanship and elevates everyday living.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in buying, with leadership skills and a passion for design.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Us
Rebecca Udall is a fast growing global luxury homeware brand specialising in linens and artisan homeware. Firm believers in buying less, better, and elevating the everyday. It’s a very exciting time to join the business as we scale-up: we have ambitious plans to be a leader in the luxury homeware market both in the UK and abroad. Working with predominantly European heritage and artisan manufacturers, we are focused on building product collections championing craftsmanship, provenance and longevity.
Role Overview
Reporting in to the Founder & MD, this role will have an instrumental role in the future of the brand. Key to developing design-led, bold and unique product collections, the Buyer will work closely with our Design & Product Development and Merchandising teams to develop, launch and monitor successful product ranges.
- Ideation & Strategy
- Market analysis: researching trends, sales data and market news to inform product strategy and buying decisions.
- To partner with the Founder and other stakeholders to define the product strategy.
- To maintain commercial awareness: understanding the market, competition and consumer behaviour to understand opportunities.
- Product Development & Range Management
- To work closely with the Founder and Product Development & Design team from a strategic viewpoint to deliver commercially strong product collections in line with the product strategy.
- To lead on development of range expansions and new products that design are not leading on, such as collaborations or working with certain artisanal makers.
- Budget review, prioritisation and allocation.
- To identify geographical areas of homeware craftsmanship, provenance and particular artisanal skill to continue building out our range: sourcing, review & contribution to range development.
- Leading on the commercial elements of new product ranges: negotiation, price architecture, range building, prioritisation of budget and brand building.
- Buying Operations
- To manage and oversee the day-to-day running of the Buying function including managing junior colleagues.
- To lead product onboarding and offboarding to all stakeholders.
- To work closely with eCom, marketing and operations teams to ensure the successful promotion, presentation and communication of product ranges and to be a key point of contact for the Business for any product queries and feedback.
- To own and lead the range plan.
- To achieve gross profit margin targets inclusive of all P&L elements (packaging, transport costs, gift packaging).
- Responsible for the buying critical path management.
- Maintenance of supplier score cards and information.
- Identifying quality standards and ensuring products meet those standards.
- Provide data analysis for product range expansions and discontinuation.
- To support efficient and accurate process implementation as we continue to grow.
- To ensure that all stock orders meet suitable lead times and quality: resolving issues as required.
- Ensure the suitable presentation and packaging of products for bricks & mortar and eCommerce.
- Supplier Management
- To negotiate prices, payment terms, MOQs and managing terms of agreement.
- Manage relationships (European and Far East suppliers).
- Ensuring accurate and thorough completion of onboarding documents and due diligence such as audits and certifications.
- Strategic review. To analyse suitability of suppliers, build strong relationships and negotiate terms.
- Sourcing support as required.
- To attend trade shows and supplier premises, as required, domestically and internationally to source new suppliers, develop projects and maintain relationships.
- To oversee processing of faulty goods, ensuring the effective management of damaged and faulty goods with stakeholders including suppliers.
- Resolving any supplier disputes efficiently and proactively.
- Trading
- To lead weekly B&M trade meetings and feedback actions to the Founder.
- Monitoring sales performance and reacting to trading opportunities.
- Managing inventory levels to meet sales targets, working collaboratively with merchandising.
About You
Your Experience
- At least five years in a Buying team, and should have minimum 2 years in a Junior Buyer or Buyer role. Homeware experience advantageous but not required.
- Degree educated or equivalent, ideally in a business or retail related degree.
- Proven ability to manage margins, pricing strategies & category performance.
- Experience managing a team and a natural leader.
- Demonstrable understanding of the design-forward, luxury consumer.
Skills
- Interested in design / interiors.
- Ambitious, collaborative, self-motivated & excellent problem solver.
- Tech savvy as a fast-growing, digitally focused brand (ability to use AI would be advantageous).
- Exceptional communication, negotiation skills with strong ability to influence.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Commercially and analytical focused plus a natural affinity with numbers.
Our Company Values
- Digital first – we seek to utilise digital tools to be more efficient, accurate and aid better communication.
- Entrepreneurial – we are effective problem solvers, seeking an efficient solution and challenge the status-quo.
- Passionate & content team – we support one another, react positively to problems and empathise with one another.
- Customer first – our customer is at the heart of everything we do and should be the key to all decisions and priorities.
Benefits
- Staff sample sales up to 80% off.
- Staff discount up to 50% off.
- Complimentary office fruit & coffee machine.
- On site parking.
- Extended holiday with service (up to five additional days).
- Excellent opportunity to grow with the brand for the right person.
- Competitive salary available, dependent on role fit and experience.
Please apply with a CV and cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role and think you would be a good fit.
Buyer (Homeware) in Malton employer: REBECCA UDALL
Rebecca Udall is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration within the luxury homeware sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, staff enjoy generous discounts, extended holidays, and the opportunity to be part of a fast-growing brand that values craftsmanship and innovation. Located in a dynamic environment, employees are encouraged to thrive and contribute to meaningful projects that elevate everyday living.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Homeware) in Malton
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like REBECCA UDALL, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like REBECCA UDALL!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Homeware) in Malton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at REBECCA UDALL, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at REBECCA UDALL and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show REBECCA UDALL that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at REBECCA UDALL
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
