At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Buying function and shape a compelling product strategy at Whistles.
- Company: Whistles, a London-based style destination known for timeless design.
- Benefits: Opportunity to inspire a high-performing team and drive brand relevance.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive culture that values unique perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product excellence and sustainable growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior buying experience with a track record of profitable growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to lead the Buying function at Whistles. You’ll be responsible for shaping and delivering a compelling product strategy that brings our collections to life, balancing creative vision with strong commercial performance.
Reporting directly to our Commercial Director, the Head of Buying role is pivotal in driving product excellence, profitability and sustainable growth across the brand. You’ll own the end-to-end product journey ensuring we consistently meet both customer expectations and business goals. This role is a key part of the brand leadership team, contributing to the wider strategic direction of the business. You’ll work closely with cross-functional leaders and engage regularly with the Brand and wider Group stakeholders to deliver against our commercial and brand ambitions.
Key accountabilities and KPIs include:
- Product Strategy and Commercial Performance
- Sourcing, Margin and Supply Base Management
- Customer and Market Insight
- People and Leadership
This is an exciting opportunity to use your extensive buying expertise to shape a distinctive, premium product offer and drive sales, margin and brand relevance in a fast-paced environment. Your leadership will inspire, coach and develop a high-performing team, enabling them to thrive both professionally and personally.
Who you'll be:
To be successful in this role, you'll bring the following skills and experience:
- Extensive experience in a senior buying role with a strong track record of delivering profitable growth, managing margins and influencing overall business performance
- Proven ability to define and deliver a clear product vision, balancing creativity, customer insight and commerciality across categories
- Deep understanding of global sourcing strategies, supplier management and margin optimisation, with a focus on quality, sustainability and long‑term partnerships
- Strong experience managing the critical path, range planning and in‑season trading, with the ability to make informed, agile decisions to maximise performance
- An inspiring and inclusive leader who builds high‑performing teams, fosters collaboration across design, merchandising and technical functions, and leads with authenticity and emotional intelligence
- A strong awareness of market trends, competitor activity and customer needs, using insight to shape relevant and commercially successful ranges
- Confident in using data and insights to inform decisions, identify opportunities and clearly communicate performance to a wide range of stakeholders
This is a brilliant opportunity to lead a talented Buying team and play a key role in shaping the future of the Whistles brand.
About Us
DISTINCT, DIRECTIONAL AND CONSIDERED DESIGN Whistles is a London‑based style destination known for timeless design, curating must‑have pieces and wardrobe signatures that elevate the everyday. Capturing the spirit of modern dressing distinctively, we curate contemporary collections that seek to empower us with a strong sense of independence and individuality.
TFG London Inclusion and Diversity statement of commitment: At TFG London and across all our brands we are committed to creating an inclusive culture that welcomes, develops and celebrates a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, cultural references and ideas and opinions within our business. We are working together to ensure our environment is one where difference is not only respected but encouraged and celebrated and people can bring their authentic, unique selves to work, where their contribution is valued, ability enhanced, and perspective appreciated.
Head of Buying employer: Whistles
Whistles is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity meets commercial acumen. As the Head of Buying, you will not only lead a talented team but also have the opportunity to shape a distinctive product strategy in a dynamic London environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. The company is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their product strategy, market position, and recent news. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and boost your confidence. We can’t stress enough how being well-prepared can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, check out our website for more opportunities that might be a perfect fit for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Buying:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the buying role shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our vision at Whistles and how you can contribute to our product strategy.
Be Specific About Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've driven profitability and managed margins in previous roles. This helps us understand the impact you've made in your career.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who understands our brand and can bring a unique perspective to the team.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Apply through our website and show us what makes you unique!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whistles
✨Know Your Product Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Whistles' current product offerings and their market positioning. Be ready to discuss how you would shape a compelling product strategy that aligns with their brand vision while driving profitability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams, as well as how you foster collaboration across different functions like design and merchandising.
✨Understand Market Trends
Stay updated on the latest fashion trends and competitor activities. Be prepared to share insights on how these factors influence customer needs and how you would leverage this knowledge to create commercially successful ranges.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you've used data and insights in past roles to inform your buying decisions. Show how you can identify opportunities and communicate performance effectively to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with business goals.
