Senior Buying Manager – General Merchandise
About the retailer:
I'm currently recruiting on behalf of a market leading specialist retailer committed to delivering great products, exceptional value, and a best-in-class shopping experience. They are looking for an experienced Buying Manager – General Merchandise to lead category strategy, build compelling product ranges, and drive commercial performance.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded buying professional who combines strong market insight with excellent supplier management and a passion for delivering products customers love.
The Role
As Buying Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that maximise sales, margin, and market share across a broad product portfolio. You will lead the buying process end-to-end — from range planning and supplier negotiations to pricing, promotions, and performance analysis.
Leading a small team of 2-4 you will also work cross functionally working harmoniously with the wider business such as merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and product development teams, you will ensure product offer remains competitive, relevant, and aligned with customer demand.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Range Planning
- Develop and deliver category strategies that support business growth and commercial objectives
- Build customer-focused product ranges across general merchandise categories
- Identify market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities
- Optimise product assortment to drive sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction
Supplier & Vendor Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and brand partners
- Lead commercial negotiations on cost prices, trading terms, and promotional support
- Source new suppliers and products that strengthen category performance
- Ensure suppliers consistently deliver against quality, service, and compliance standards
Commercial Performance
- Own category performance across sales, margin, stock turn, and sell-through
- Use trading data and market insights to identify opportunities and risks
- Develop pricing and promotional strategies to maximise profitability
- Monitor product lifecycle and take action to manage slow-moving inventory
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with merchandising teams on forecasting and stock planning
- Work closely with marketing to support product launches and promotional campaigns
- Collaborate with supply chain to ensure strong product availability and delivery performance
- Support product development and innovation initiatives where relevant
Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop junior members of the team
- Foster a high-performance, collaborative team culture
- Drive continuous improvement in buying processes and decision-making
What They are Looking For
- Significant experience in buying or category management, within general merchandise
- Proven track record of delivering sales growth and margin improvement
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Excellent commercial and analytical capability with confidence using data to inform decisions
- Strong understanding of market trends, customer behaviour, and retail dynamics
- Excellent planning, organisation, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment
What They Offer
- Competitive salary
- Performance-based bonus
- Hybrid / flexible working
- Career development opportunities
- Staff discount and additional benefits
Senior Buying Manager in Watford employer: Rise Resourcing
At Rise Resourcing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities for advancement, particularly in the vibrant retail sector. Located in a thriving area, we offer a unique chance to make a significant impact on our business's transformation while enjoying a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork.
