Senior Wholesale Buyer in London

Senior Wholesale Buyer in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
U&I Search

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead buying and sourcing for trendy apparel, ensuring quality and profitability.
  • Company: Established supplier of top fashion and sports brands.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, life cover, private health, and employee discounts.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of fashion with your expertise.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in apparel buying, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Our client is a well-established supplier of licensed products, with a unique portfolio of diverse and industry-leading fashion, sports, and outdoor brands across childrenswear, adults clothing, accessories and footwear. They are currently seeking an experienced Senior Wholesale Buyer who will be responsible for end-to-end buying and sourcing across kids and adult apparel categories, working closely with overseas factories and suppliers to deliver commercially viable product ranges that meet margin targets, quality standards, and critical path deadlines.

This role requires deep expertise in FOB costing, cross costing, margin negotiation, supplier performance management, and wholesale business dynamics. The successful candidate will be highly analytical, commercially strategic, and confident negotiating at senior supplier level.

Senior Wholesale Buyer - The Role:
  • Oversees product profitability by analysing, negotiating, and approving material and supply costs to meet margin targets.
  • Securing the best FOB prices and terms to manage profit margins while maintaining product quality and speed to market.
  • Manage the cross-costing process with the supply base quickly and efficiently.
  • Maximize margins by negotiating pricing.
  • Maintain all aspects of the critical path alongside the other team departments to ensure key deadlines are achieved.
  • Manage product from concept to final production.
  • Managing supplier relationships to ensure quality standards, and mitigating supply risks.
  • Review and conduct market analysis and propose cost reduction strategies.
Senior Wholesale Buyer – The Candidate:
  • A strong, analytical mindset with 5+ years’ experience in apparel buying/sourcing (wholesale environment preferred).
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers but be a strong negotiator.
  • Strong experience working with overseas factories and FOB trading.
  • Demonstrated expertise in: FOB costing, Cross costing analysis, Margin negotiation, Supplier negotiation at senior level and Critical path management.
  • Strong understanding of garment construction and cost components.
  • Proven track record of delivering margin targets in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience across kidswear and/or adult apparel & accessories.
  • Highly numerate with strong Excel and commercial reporting skills.
  • Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
  • Adaptability – adapt to the dynamic retail landscape, adjusting strategy based on market shifts and embracing opportunities for growth.
Senior Wholesale Buyer – The Package:
  • Competitive salary.
  • Benefits including life cover and private health.
  • Employee discounts.

Due to the anticipated interest in this role only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Senior Wholesale Buyer in London employer: U&I Search

As a leading supplier of licensed products, our client offers an exceptional work environment for the Senior Wholesale Buyer role, characterised by a collaborative culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive health coverage, and generous discounts, all while working in a dynamic industry that fosters professional growth and development. Located in a vibrant area, this position provides the unique opportunity to engage with top-tier brands and suppliers, ensuring a rewarding career path in the fashion and apparel sector.
U&I Search

Contact Detail:

U&I Search Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Wholesale Buyer in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Wholesale Buyer role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show off your knowledge about their brands and how you can contribute to their success in the apparel market.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Wholesale Buyer, you’ll need to be confident in discussions about pricing and margins. We suggest role-playing with a friend to sharpen those skills before the big day.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Wholesale Buyer in London

Analytical Skills
Negotiation Skills
FOB Costing
Cross Costing Analysis
Margin Negotiation
Supplier Performance Management
Critical Path Management
Garment Construction Knowledge
Commercial Reporting Skills
Relationship Management
Market Analysis
Cost Reduction Strategies
Adaptability
Experience in Apparel Buying/Sourcing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in apparel buying and sourcing. Use keywords from the job description, like 'FOB costing' and 'margin negotiation', to show we’re on the same page.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include specific examples of how you’ve maximised margins or improved supplier relationships. We love seeing numbers that back up your success!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Wholesale Buyer role. Be sure to mention your analytical mindset and experience with overseas factories.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at U&I Search

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Wholesale Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on FOB costing, margin negotiation, and cross costing analysis. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed costs and maximised margins in previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is key in this role, so prepare to share your strategies for securing the best prices and terms. Think of a time when you negotiated effectively with suppliers and how it impacted your previous company's profitability.

✨Understand the Market

Research the latest trends in kidswear and adult apparel. Be prepared to discuss how market shifts can affect buying decisions and how you've adapted your strategies in the past to meet these changes.

✨Build Relationships

Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships. Discuss how you've maintained quality standards and mitigated supply risks. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving business goals.

Senior Wholesale Buyer in London
U&I Search
Location: London

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