Head of Product / Buying

Head of Product and buying

£45,000-£55,000 (Depending on Experience)

Manchester

Do you live and breathe product and have a talent for spotting new and emerging trends before they even exist? Have you been responsible for buying products for a UK online retailer? If so, we would love to hear from you (now)!

We are excited to be working with one of the most trend aware, fashion-forward online retailer that supplies of gifting and homewares. Having the right product mix is at the forefront of everything that they do and for that reason they are looking for a super talented Head of buying to come on board.

As Head of Buying it will be your responsibility to:

• Always be on the lookout for emerging trends and products and ensure this company leads the way in coming up with unique gift ideas
• Create and manage the company product buying strategy plan, ensuring it inspires and drives sales and growth  
• Project manage products from creation to Launching across business
• Keep abreast of developments in gift areas and styles and ensure the company is at the forefront of those that are relevant. Continually improving the product range to meet and exceed consumer expectations.
• Lead and inspire your team, driving new changes and looking at new ways to target current customers and attract new business with exciting new products
• Work on multiple briefs at any one time, being able to prioritise and ensure all deadlines are adhered to.
• Identify new suppliers alongside managing current suppliers and personalisation partners to achieve maximum quality and value.
• Manage existing 3^rd party suppliers, pushing for maximum terms & building relationships
• Work closely with merchandising team ensure new and repeats products forecast and delivery dates meet company requirements.
• Fully brief and work with all internal stakeholders including Heads of departments within Buying, operations, production, marketing and web development team on all product strategy

The ideal applicant for this Head of Buying role will be able to demonstrate:

• 5+ years’ of buying/product development or merchandising experience within a retailer environment
• Experience of buying products within the gift, stationery, home or toy sector.
• Good knowledge of how to sell product online
• Far East sourcing experience
• Effective team management and motivational skills.
• Strong negotiator with good influencing skills.
• Someone who thrives on pace, innovation and the adrenalin of the seasonal peaks!
• The ability to build relationships in an entrepreneurial and creative environment.
• Strong analytical capability with a real eye for detail.
• A hands on, can do attitude.