At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product investment strategies for Kate Spade New York across Europe.
- Company: Join Tapestry, a diverse and inclusive global fashion company.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, and discounts on brands.
- Other info: Opportunities for learning, development, and career progression await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fashion industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail merchandising and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
The Senior Manager, Buying and Wholesale will lead the strategic and operational execution of product investment for Kate Spade New York across Europe for all categories. As a key driver of brand, product, and planning strategies, this role is responsible for driving in‑season performance against financial targets across Retail and eCommerce, while executing assortment selection for Wholesale and Marketplace channels.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the strategic and operational execution of product investment across Retail and Wholesale channels, driving in‑season performance against sales, margin, and inventory targets across the region.
- Lead the development and delivery of omni‑channel buying and assortment strategies, ensuring alignment across Retail, Wholesale, and Marketplace channels to maximise consumer engagement and commercial performance.
- Oversee all European wholesale accounts, building strong, long‑term partnerships and leading commercial negotiations, account planning, and tailored assortment strategies based on regional and account‑specific performance insights.
- Define and execute seasonal and long‑term commercial strategies (AOP, LRP, OTB), ensuring alignment with financial targets and evolving market trends, while identifying opportunities for growth and risk mitigation.
- Lead end‑to‑end seasonal processes, including buy reviews, hindsight analysis, market execution, and milestone calendar management, ensuring strong cross‑functional alignment and delivery excellence.
- Drive weekly and seasonal trade cadence (e.g. WSRM, trade meetings), providing clear financial insights, performance analysis, and actionable recommendations to senior leadership.
- Analyse product performance, customer insights, competitor activity, and market trends to inform trading decisions, shape future buys, and influence Global Merchandising strategies.
- Partner closely with Inventory Planning and Finance to manage inventory health (WOH, turns), OTB, forecasting, provisioning, and returns, ensuring optimal stock positioning across channels.
- Lead allocation and distribution strategy across Retail and Wholesale, aligning with floor sets, peak trading periods, and account requirements.
- Oversee wholesale market execution, including assortment presentation, order collection, door strategy, and delivery tracking, ensuring best‑in‑class go‑to‑market execution.
- Drive trading activities across both channels, including promotional planning, ATS swaps, and in‑season optimisation to maximise sell‑through and profitability.
- Build and maintain strong cross‑functional relationships with key stakeholders including Sales, Operations, Demand Planning, Finance, VM, Production, and Customer Experience teams.
- Conduct regular market and store visits to identify opportunities, strengthen account relationships, and monitor competitive landscape and execution standards.
- Champion best practices, operational excellence, and ways of working across the team, ensuring accuracy in systems (e.g. RPAS/Cora) and continuous process improvement.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team, fostering strong leadership capability, commercial acumen, and career growth.
- Support innovation and growth initiatives, including Made‑to‑Forecast strategies, tiering frameworks, and regionally relevant product adaptations to unlock new opportunities.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in retail merchandising, buying, or trading, ideally within fashion, lifestyle, or accessories.
- Proven track record of delivering sales, margin, and inventory targets.
- Strong understanding of omnichannel retail (stores & digital).
- Advanced analytical and financial acumen, with experience using planning tools (e.g. RPAS, Cora, Excel).
- Experience working within global, matrix organisations.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across multiple functions.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to develop and inspire teams.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.
- Commercially driven, results‑focused and strategic thinking with strong problem‑solving ability.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Proactive and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment.
- Collaborative with strong influencing skills.
Benefits
- Hybrid working (Tuesday - Thursday working from the office, Monday and Friday working remotely).
- Option to finish early on a Friday (Flex Fridays).
- 1 paid volunteering day per year and opportunities to volunteer with global projects.
- Learning & development opportunities.
- Internal mobility & career progression.
- Regular social events - seasonal & cultural.
- Equity Inclusion & Diversity initiatives which include employee resource groups & regional inclusion council.
Additional Benefits
- 25 days holiday in addition to bank holidays.
- Multi brand discount up to 50% off - Coach and Kate Spade.
- Private healthcare with health assessment (Bupa).
- Bupa rewards - Financial wellbeing support and wellness discounts.
- Private dental cover.
- Free 24/7 support for family building, fertility and menopause with Maven.
- Eye‑care vouchers.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Enhanced employer pension contribution.
- Gym discount.
- Interest free season ticket loan.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Tapestry, we are committed to building a diverse & inclusive workforce. We know that having a wide range of perspectives and experiences makes us more innovative and brings us closer to our consumers. If you are interested in this role but do not believe you meet all the set criteria, that’s ok. We are happy to work with individuals who have the drive, passion, agility and willingness to learn. So, take a chance and apply; you may just be who we are looking for.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Tapestry is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we pride ourselves on hiring and developing the best people. All employment decisions (including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, transfer, training, discipline and termination) are based on the applicant’s or employee’s qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration. These decisions are made without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally‑recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.
Tapestry Senior Manager, Buying and Wholesale (12-month FTC) in London employer: Tapestry
Tapestry is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on employee development. With generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, private healthcare, and opportunities for career progression, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the vibrant European market. The company's commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement further enhances the rewarding experience of working with renowned brands like Kate Spade New York.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tapestry Senior Manager, Buying and Wholesale (12-month FTC) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and market position, especially in the wholesale and retail space. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Senior Manager role. Highlight your achievements in driving sales and managing inventory, as these are key to impressing the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Tapestry team and ready to contribute to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Tapestry Senior Manager, Buying and Wholesale (12-month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Manager role. Highlight your experience in retail merchandising and buying, especially within fashion or lifestyle sectors, to show us you’re the right fit.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love numbers! Include examples of how you've used analytical tools like Excel or RPAS to drive sales and manage inventory. This will demonstrate your financial acumen and strategic thinking.
Highlight Leadership Experience:Don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop a high-performing team, so share your success stories in mentoring and team management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Tapestry!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tapestry
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Manager in Buying and Wholesale, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like sales, margin, and inventory targets. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance in these areas in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a strong understanding of omnichannel retail. Prepare examples of how you've developed and executed buying and assortment strategies that align with both retail and wholesale channels. Highlight your ability to adapt to market trends and consumer insights.
✨Build Relationships
Strong stakeholder management is crucial. Think of instances where you've successfully built partnerships or negotiated with accounts. Be prepared to share how you maintain long-term relationships and collaborate across functions to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team, so it's important to showcase your leadership experience. Share stories about how you've mentored others, fostered a high-performing team, and driven operational excellence. Highlight your approach to developing talent and inspiring your team.
