V&C Associates has been exclusively retained to recruit a Buying Manager across Womans Intimates, a newly created role within a progressive, vertically integrated Middle Eastern brand, relocation will be required. Lingerie accounts for more than 60% of the business, spanning core and fashion underwear, making this a pivotal commercial leadership position.
This is a new management role. The successful candidate will build and lead a buying team of at least four, taking full ownership of the lingerie category from range strategy and supplier management through to goods arriving at the distribution centre.
Key Responsibilities
Category & Commercial Leadership
- Buy to agreed budgets and OTB (open-to-buy) levels, achieving or exceeding margin targets.
- Drive category growth through strong range architecture, product selection and pricing.
- Carry out ongoing sales analysis, evaluating trends and product life cycles, and make clear, data-led recommendations to the Buying & Innovation Director.
- Maintain a sharp awareness of the market and competitors, bench marking value, price and product.
- Manage and regularly evaluate the supplier base, currently in Bangladesh and China.
- Drive continuous improvement in supplier processes, delivery, quality, flexibility and innovation
- Own robust critical paths, working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure on-time seasonal launches.
- Take accountability, with the buying team, for product through to delivery at the DC.
- Build, lead and develop a buying team of a minimum of four.
- Foster a high-performing, collaborative culture within a multicultural environment.
Key Performance Indicators
- Category growth: Deliver agreed growth through range architecture, product selection, pricing and product performance.
- Margin: Achieve target margin through effective sourcing, pricing, product mix and commercial decision-making.
- Innovation: Deliver measurable growth from new products, materials, concepts and category opportunities.
- Supplier performance: Improve delivery, lead times, flexibility, quality and innovation against agreed supplier KPIs.
- Cross-functional delivery: Ensure category initiatives and seasonal milestones land on time through effective collaboration with Design, Planning, Technical, Marketing, VM and E-commerce.
Candidate Profile
- A minimum of 10 years' experience in Buying and/or Product Development, currently at Senior Buyer level or above, gained with lingerie retailers or brands.
- Proven track record in lingerie buying and product development, with a genuine passion for product.
- Excellent analytical skills and confidence working with complex data.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Experience using AI tools within buying, planning or analysis.
- Experience working with suppliers in Bangladesh and/or Chin
Buying Manager employer: V&C
V&C is an exceptional employer that values innovation and teamwork within the dynamic denim industry. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and creativity. Located in the UK, our team enjoys a vibrant work environment that fosters strong relationships and allows for impactful contributions to the brand's success.
