At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for jewellery, watches, and gifting, driving growth and performance.
- Company: A leading brand in jewellery and gifting with a strong UK and US presence.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and shape the future of luxury products.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-level role within a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior buying roles with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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: TRP Recruitment
Contact Detail:
TRP Recruitment 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’s recent trends and product launches. We want to show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about their brand and its growth in the jewellery and gifting market.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around category strategy and margin optimisation. We need to demonstrate that you can take full accountability for the buying lifecycle.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying
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 TRP Recruitment
✨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.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the jewellery, watches, and gifting markets in both the UK and US. Be prepared to discuss current trends and how they might impact the business. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment and insight into the role.
✨Leadership is Key
Since you'll be leading a team, think about your leadership style and how you've developed others in the past. Prepare examples of how you've influenced and motivated your team to achieve targets, as this will be crucial for success in the role.