Head of Buying | Seasonal/Home Categories | Essex/Hybrid | up to £60k Basic
Zachary Daniels Recruitment are proud to be partnered with this authentic, values led retailer, on the appointment of a Head of Buying.
Committed to being socially responsible whilst changing the lives of others, our client offers quality and value to customers. Operating across brick-and-mortar stores and a growing online presence, including drop-ship and marketplace models, we are looking for an exceptional Head of Buying to drive the product offering across key categories such as Seasonal, Stationery, Gifting, and Furniture. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a values-driven organisation.
Key Responsibilities in the position of Head of Buying will include:
- Strategic Buying; Develop and execute the buying strategy across all product categories, ensuring alignment with the overall business goals and objectives.
- Product Range Development: Identify and source a compelling and commercially viable product range that meets customer needs across both the stores and online platforms, including drop-ship and marketplace channels.
- Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring ethical sourcing practices and negotiating favourable terms to maximise margins.
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the buying team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Be an empathetic leader who understands the importance of flexibility and pragmatism.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments including Supply Chain, Marketing, and Operations to ensure seamless execution of the buying strategy and successful product launches.
- Hands-On Approach: Be actively involved in the day-to-day buying activities, from supplier visits to product selection, and not afraid to get hands dirty when needed.
- Market Analysis and Trends: Stay up-to-date with market trends, customer preferences, and competitor activity to inform buying decisions and drive innovation.
- Financial Accountability: Manage the buying budget, monitor performance against financial targets, and implement corrective actions as necessary to achieve profitability goals.
- Sustainability Focus: Champion sustainable practices within the buying process, ensuring products align with our charity's values and commitment to environmental responsibility.
To be considered for the position of Head of Buying, you will offer the following:
- Proven Experience: Extensive experience in a buying role, ideally within a value or high-street retailer, with a strong track record in managing multiple product categories.
- Leadership: Demonstrable experience in leading and developing a team, with a strong emphasis on empathy, flexibility, and the ability to inspire and motivate.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of retail financials, with the ability to make data-driven decisions that positively impact the bottom line.
- Product Knowledge: Deep knowledge of the key categories, with an eye for spotting trends and a passion for delivering products that resonate with our customer base.
- Relationship Builder: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Hands-On Mentality: A proactive and pragmatic approach, willing to roll up your sleeves and get involved in all aspects of the buying process.
- Hybrid Working Flexibility: Comfortable with a hybrid working environment, with the ability to balance time effectively between home, head office, and store visits.
What's in it for me?
- Competitive salary up to £60,000 per annum
- Flexible hybrid working model
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a values-driven organization
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension, holidays, and staff discounts
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