At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK buying team and collaborate with suppliers across Europe and Asia.
- Company: Solent Group, a dynamic company with hybrid operations in Christchurch.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team focused on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Drive growth and innovation in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in global sourcing and proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Solent Group, headquartered with hybrid operations in Christchurch, UK, seeks a Head of Buying to lead the UK buying team and partner with ASIA and European suppliers.
You will be accountable for delivering the group strategy, driving growth, and continuous improvement across multiple categories.
The role requires a proven buying leader with 5+ years’ experience in global sourcing, product development, and multi-site leadership, delivering measurable results in a fast-paced retail environment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of UK & Europe Buying — Hybrid Leadership in Christchurch employer: Solent Group
Join a dynamic and innovative company that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a competitive salary and extensive benefits including flexible working hours and a supportive work culture. As a B2B Sales Manager in the FMCG sector, you will lead a high-performing team while enjoying opportunities for professional development and a collaborative environment that values accountability and customer service. With a focus on achieving ambitious sales targets, you'll be part of a thriving organisation that rewards success and fosters a strong sense of community through social events and comprehensive support programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of UK & Europe Buying — Hybrid Leadership in Christchurch
✨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 Solent Group, 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 Solent Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of UK & Europe Buying — Hybrid Leadership in Christchurch
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 Solent Group, 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 Solent Group 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 Solent Group that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Group
✨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!
