Head of Buying

Head of Buying

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Retail Partnership Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for jewellery, watches, and gifting, driving growth and performance.
  • Company: Join a leading brand with a strong presence in the UK and US markets.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Be part of a collaborative team and lead the Buying department to success.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on product strategy and business growth in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in senior buying roles with expertise in ecommerce and product lifecycle.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Head of Buying to work for a leading jewellery, watches and gifting brand with a strong presence across both UK and US markets. This is a senior, high-impact opportunity for a Head of Buying to take full accountability for the Jewellery, Watches & Gifting category defining and executing strategy across revenue, margin and stock performance. The role owns the complete buying lifecycle, from concept through to trading, and is responsible for building a commercially strong, scalable product proposition that drives business growth across all core categories. Based in London, this role offers hybrid working.

Main Responsibilities Will Include:

  • Owning the Jewellery, Watches & Gifting category strategy, aligned to revenue, margin and growth targets
  • Defining and delivering structured range plans (seasonal and continuity) using data, trend insight and customer behaviour
  • Establishing clear pricing architecture to drive margin and positioning
  • Identifying and executing category expansion opportunities across UK and US markets
  • Owning weekly and monthly trading performance across sales, margin, sell-through and stock turn
  • Partnering with Merchandising to manage open-to-buy, stock investment and inventory risk
  • Delivering margin optimisation while maintaining brand integrity
  • Owning the end-to-end buying cycle from concept through to launch and post-launch performance
  • Ensuring critical path discipline across all product launches
  • Overseeing product development in partnership with Design, ensuring commercial viability
  • Defining and leading global supplier strategy across jewellery, watches and gifting
  • Identifying and onboarding new suppliers to support growth and capability expansion
  • Leading and developing the Buying team (Buyer, Junior Buyer, Admin)

Person Specification:

  • Proven experience operating at Head of Buying or senior buying leadership level
  • Full ownership of category P&L, including revenue, margin and stock
  • Strong background in direct-to-consumer and/or ecommerce-led environments
  • Deep expertise in product lifecycle, sourcing and supplier strategy
  • Experience across jewellery, watches and/or gifting categories
  • Strong leadership and influencing capability at Director level
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to present clearly to Senior Leadership

Head of Buying employer: The Retail Partnership Ltd

Join a leading jewellery, watches and gifting brand that not only values innovation and creativity but also fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a strong presence in both the UK and US markets, this role offers exceptional growth opportunities, allowing you to shape the buying strategy while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working in vibrant London. The company is committed to employee development, providing resources and support for your professional journey, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
The Retail Partnership Ltd

Contact Detail:

The Retail Partnership Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Buying

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Head of Buying role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to be able to discuss their jewellery, watches, and gifting categories with confidence. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in managing P&L and driving category growth. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that delivery.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying

Category Strategy Development
Revenue Management
Margin Optimisation
Stock Performance Analysis
Data Analysis
Trend Insight Utilisation
Customer Behaviour Analysis
Pricing Architecture Establishment
Category Expansion Execution
Trading Performance Management
Open-to-Buy Management
Inventory Risk Management
Product Lifecycle Expertise
Supplier Strategy Development
Leadership and Team Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Industry: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for jewellery, watches, and gifting shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the products and the market.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience in buying and category management. We’re looking for someone who has a proven track record, so don’t be shy about detailing your achievements and how they relate to the role.

Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves a lot of strategy based on data and trends, include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. We love numbers, so show us how you’ve optimised margins or improved stock performance!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Buying role. We appreciate when candidates take the extra step to align their skills with what we’re looking for.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Retail Partnership Ltd

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Head of Buying, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L management. Brush up on key metrics like revenue, margin, and stock performance. Be ready to discuss how you've driven these numbers in previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

Prepare to talk about your experience in defining and executing category strategies. Think of specific examples where you've used data and trend insights to create successful range plans. This will show that you can think strategically and act decisively.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share your leadership style and experiences. Discuss how you've developed teams in the past and how you plan to inspire and guide your future team at the company.

✨Understand the Market Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the jewellery, watches, and gifting markets in both the UK and US. Be ready to discuss current trends, potential expansion opportunities, and how you would position the brand competitively in these markets.

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