Senior Buyer Buying · Coleshill, Warwickshire

Location Hybrid: 1-2 days at our Support Centre in Coleshill, Birmingham.

Why The Works? We don’t just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. The Works literally means everything. And whatever your story or background, we’re all about unlocking imagination and making creativity accessible to everyone. Whether you’re engaging with customers on the frontline or supporting our colleagues behind the scenes, your impact can be profound and far‑reaching. This is more than toys and books and art supplies. This is about inspiring people to read, learn, create and play. So, with the right passion, it all starts with you.

As one of our Senior Buyers, you’ll have the exciting responsibility of managing a large product group, owning the entire buying cycle from start to finish. As a key player in our vibrant Commercial team, leading the way and making a real impact will be your second nature as you contribute to our Caring, Crafty, and Can‑do culture. As an experienced buying professional with a proven track record of success in a similar sector or category, your passion for making impactful decisions will allow you to drive value and lead with creativity and joy.

Your Mission

• Strategy: Determine what should be in the range and why, identifying the best sources and driving a competitive edge in the market.
• NPD Briefing: Identify new product trends that offer something unique to our customers.
• Selection: Demonstrate excellent range‑building skills, articulate product selection, balance private label and branded products, and manage product exit with a clear change plan.
• Critical Path Management: Review development trackers and flag any risks to BM & MM.
• Trade: Articulate a clear narrative on performance and any variances to plan, including build‑back opportunities.
• Supplier and QA Collaboration: Ensure product specifications are met with ethical compliance.
• Negotiation: Negotiate trading terms and funding support with suppliers.
• Internal Communications: Collate and produce internal communications and presentations/sign‑off packs.
• Coaching and Development: Coach and develop junior team members, embodying what good looks like as a Senior Buyer.
• Leadership: Lead your product area with all internal stakeholders, guiding them through the full buying process.
• Board Presentations: Present to Board members for their sign‑off, consistently completing all required sign‑off packs.

Skills / Behaviours That Will Set You Apart

• Product Development: Sourcing experience across own label and brands/licenses.
• Attention to Detail: Forensic attention to detail to help us get things right the first time.
• Colleague‑Focused Approach: Prioritise making things easier for our colleagues.
• Influence and Challenge: Ability to influence and constructively challenge when necessary.
• Initiative and Passionate: Use your initiative and have the energy and passion to make things happen.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration.
• Networking and Relationships: Understand the importance of networking and building strong relationships.
• Negotiation Skills: Hone and flex style of approach.
• Self‑Starter: Committed to driving your own development.
• Microsoft Skills: Intermediate to Advanced.

Being a great leader

• Align Goals with Values: Ensure that your team’s goals are clearly connected to the company’s values and purpose.
• Clear Communication: Ensure that your team understands the goals, expectations, and their roles.
• Role Model: Lead by example and demonstrate the behaviours and attitudes expected from your team.
• Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback regularly.
• Empower Your Team: Delegate tasks and trust your team to handle them.
• Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts promptly and fairly.
• Empathy: Understand and consider the feelings and perspectives of your team members.
• Well‑being and Aspirations: Support your team's well‑being and ambitions.

Our PERKS really are ‘The Works’

• 25% colleague discount and exclusive double discount days.
• MyWorks – access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers.
• Family‑friendly leave – enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• 33 holiday days including bank holidays.
• Holiday purchase – additional 5 days.
• Can‑Do Academy – grow your skills and career with instant access to further training and development.
• Stream – claim early access to 50% of your wages as you earn them.
• Share Scheme – own a piece of The Works.
• 24/7 support for you and your family through our partnership with the Retail Trust.
• Healthcare Cash Plan – support everyday healthcare costs.
• Long‑service awards, pension, life assurance, cycle to work and optional charity giving.

Our Purpose

To inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.

Our Values

• We are Crafty – Smart with what we've got.
• We are Caring – Heart in every action.
• We are Can‑do – Energy that gets it done.

Each year, we run an anonymous colleague engagement survey to hear your feedback and suggestions. We want to know what’s going great, and what needs a couple of tweaks to help make The Works the best place you’ve ever worked!

Promoting Diversity, Inclusion, and Applying Reasonable Adjustments: At The Works, we are proud to have an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. Our roles are open to all, including under‑represented groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, carers and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working.