At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and develop innovative homeware products while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join The White Company, a leader in stylish home collections.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 50% discount, flexible working, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of homeware.
- Qualifications: Graduate level with a background in design or textiles preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Our Role
The Buyer – Home will have responsibility for our living collections including: Kitchen & Dining, Home Accessories and Furniture and Seasonal product areas.
Outstanding expertise within the Homeware markets is a must.
Proven ability to source and develop a commercial, comprehensive and innovative product range which ensures that profit objectives are met.
To be able to work within the brand guidelines, developing product which is appropriate to the TWC lifestyle and a step ahead of our competitors.
Excellent stakeholder management skills representing the brand and home collections both inside and outside the business.
Deliver and drive a robust, well balanced supply chain solution which adequately protects business risk.
Leads a creative and successful team nurturing and developing talent.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Product Development
- To build a balanced, commercial and sufficiently innovative product range suitable for the needs of all business channels.
- To source new products and negotiate prices to achieve and exceed margin targets where possible.
- To produce initial ideas and strategy packs for new season development meetings.
- To review historical performance and determine future product strategy, working closely with the Merchandiser.
- To plan internet and retail requirements, to propose both pagination planning and retail ranging.
- To propose new and innovative ideas for product development, working closely with design to pull together new season product briefs for sign off.
- To attend UK and International trade shows to source new suppliers and products, to keep abreast of market trends.
- To plan pricing and sourcing strategy to ensure margin targets are met.
- To ensure that all product and supplier information is correctly maintained on the system and up to date to support departmental deadlines, to challenge thoroughly cost assumptions, to spot
- To clearly identify sampling required, providing commercial management and timely feedback to suppliers.
- To approve bulk fabric, yarns, packaging and all components to meet critical path dates.
- To propose the key assumptions behind the critical path to ensure all critical dates are achieved, to ensure the buying team actively progress manage and that risk is well managed.
- To work closely with the QA department, to specifically ensure that all sealing stages are running to critical path requirements.
- Supplier Management
- In collaboration with the QA team to ensure that suppliers deliver on their commitment to quality and ethical standards and work efficiently within our processes.
- To propose changes to supply base as necessary to protect the business.
- To conduct well planned sourcing and buying trips to meet the requirements of the critical path.
- To ensure that new season development is progressed efficiently and commercially. To manage the product brief process.
- To work with suppliers to ensure all sealers meet our quality, creative and commercial requirements.
- Manage the co-ordination and development of all products and necessary information to enable selection meetings to run efficiently and to ensure deadlines are met.
- Undertake regular supplier visits and review meetings, to keep on top of all relevant market developments and develop a strong partnership.
- To ensure that suppliers accept and adhere to our supplier manual and terms.
- Commercial Awareness
- To undertake regular store visits - ideally at least every two months.
- To undertake competitor visits on a regular basis and regularly review market data, proposing strategic actions as a result.
- To have an excellent understanding of the target customer and emerging trends.
- To consistently deliver excellent standards of customer service, to be pro-active in seeking customer feedback from all business channels.
- To have a thorough understanding of the weekly reports and sales by line reports, in order to direct trading actions, repeats and markdowns with the Merchandiser and to identify new opportunities across all channels.
- To work closely with the Merchandiser to review line level performance and agree decisions on which lines to continue or discontinue.
- To present best and worst product at meetings with evaluation on performance and impact on future strategy.
- To review returns regularly with the QA team and ensure necessary action taken and lessons learnt.
- To work with the design and marketing team to support the product copy writing process to ensure features and benefits of products are sold.
- To have a strong working knowledge of all systems and use to support buying decisions as necessary.
- To play an active role in trading stores and web, to liaise closely with the visual teams on retail planning.
- Management, Training and Development
- To adopt a positive and proactive approach to training and development, to participate fully in all team related activities.
To work closely with other Buying and Merchandising teams to identify best practise.
- To ensure that stores, web team and call centre receive product communication and training as necessary; challenge opportunities to improve sales performance.
- To continually review processes and controls, initiating improvements in best practise as necessary.
- To assist in the development and training of the Buying team.
- To manage the team on a day to day basis.
- The skills and experience you’ll need
- Systems knowledge
- Graduate level, design/creative/textile background or equivalent preferable.
- Excellent creative and commercial ability; an eye for product and brand
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Previous experience in a Junior Buyer or Buyer role
- What we’ll offer you
At The White Company, we value our employees for always going the extra mile for every one of our customers; we reward this with great benefits and competitive salaries.
- Discount -Up to 50% discount and access to regular Sample Sales
- Holiday - 25 days rising to 28 with length of service
- Holiday Buy – opportunity to buy up to 5 days holiday
- Pension Scheme - enrolled in our Group Personal Pension schemes upon joining the business.
- 20% Bonus Potential - In addition to our competitive salaries, all our employees are entitled to join a discretionary bonus scheme (based on policy eligibility)
- Wagestream Money Management app - access to Wagestream gives you power over your pay and supports financial wellbeing
- Continued Development – We offer structured support from our own in-house Learning and Development Hub
- Salary Sacrifice scheme for Electric vehicles (dependent on grade and meeting policy eligibility)
- Private Healthcare (based on contract duration)
- Life Assurance
- White City House (Soho House Group)Tenants Membership at a discounted rate, offering access to facilities in the House
- Additional Benefits
- Fruit basket daily
- Tea and coffee provided
- Working from Home - option to work from home on Mondays and Fridays
- Social - Christmas party/social events throughout the year
- Seasonal Sample Sales
- Volunteer Day - with a charity of your choice
- Great Location - Close to transport links - over ground Shepherds Bush station /underground White City & Wood Lane stations.
- Westfield shopping centre with shops restaurants/bars/cinema and gyms
- Our Equality Diversity and Inclusion statement of commitment
At the White company we are committed to creating an inclusive culture that welcomes and celebrates a diversity of backgrounds and identities.
We are working together to ensure our environment is one where people can bring their authentic selves to work, where their contribution is valued, ability enhanced, and perspective appreciated.
Where difference is respected, encouraged, and celebrated.
We are committed to an active Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process.
We'd love you to join us on our journey.
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Buyer – Home in London employer: The-White-Company
The White Company is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and communication are valued. Located in Birmingham, employees benefit from comprehensive training, opportunities for personal growth, and a rewarding environment that prioritises employee well-being with attractive discount benefits. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that ensures our customers receive the best products while enjoying a fulfilling work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer – Home in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer – Home in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to The-White-Company:Don’t forget to personalise your application for The-White-Company! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at The-White-Company
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that The-White-Company offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at The-White-Company and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
