Overview
As a Senior Buyer on Kids Books, you’ll manage a large product group, owning the entire buying cycle from start to finish. You’ll contribute to our Commercial team and support our Caring, Crafty, and Can-do culture. You should be an experienced buying professional with a proven track record in a similar sector or category, using your passion for making impactful decisions to drive value, lead with creativity and joy.
Location: Hybrid work arrangement with 1-2 days in our support centre per week and 3-4 days working from home.
Responsibilities
* Strategy: determine what should be in the range and why, identify the best sources, and drive a competitive edge in the market. Test and trial new ideas for future growth based on market data.
* NPD Briefing: identify new product trends that offer something unique to our customers; work with Creative teams to align with internal trends and create unique artworks for our ranges.
* Selection: demonstrate excellent range-building skills, articulate product selection, balance private label and branded products, and manage product lifecycle with a clear change plan. Understand cost of change and ensure payback for newness.
* Critical Path Management: review development trackers and flag risks to BM & MM.
* Trade: with the Senior Merchandiser, articulate a clear narrative on performance and variances to plan, including build-back opportunities. Respond to sales trends, maximize sales and opportunities, and manage seasonal space. Manage markdowns and contribute in WSSI meetings to manage budget and OTB. Collaborate with Marketing to support activities and drive key products.
* Supplier and QA Collaboration: ensure product specifications are met with ethical compliance.
* Trackers and Analysis: keep all trackers up to date (Sales, Sell-through, KVI) and suggest actions based on findings to BM.
* Negotiation: negotiate trading terms and funding support with suppliers; secure ad-hoc funding when needed.
* Internal Communications: collate and produce internal communications and presentations/sign-off packs.
* Coaching and Development: coach and develop junior team members, embodying what good looks like as a Senior Buyer.
* Influencing Skills: understand your impact on others and develop your influencing skills accordingly.
* Leadership: lead your product area with internal stakeholders, guiding them through the full buying process and ensuring they have the information they need at each stage.
* Board Presentations: present to the Board for sign-off, consistently completing all required sign-off packs.
* Additional Responsibilities: set budgets, engage in strategic sourcing, provide constructive feedback, and conduct store and web reviews, including collaboration with a buddy AM to understand operational issues.
Skills/Behaviours That Will Set You Apart
* Product Development: Sourcing experience across own label and brands/licenses.
* Attention to Detail: strong analytical skills, highly organised decision maker.
* Colleague-Focused Approach: prioritise making things easier for colleagues, clearly explaining the why, how, what, and when.
* Influence and Challenge: ability to influence and constructively challenge when necessary.
* Initiative and Passion: proactive, problem-solving, and innovative thinking.
* Teamwork and Collaboration: value teamwork and collaboration to achieve results.
* Networking and Relationships: build strong relationships and stakeholder management.
* Negotiation Skills: adaptable negotiation style.
* Self-Starter: development-focused, emotionally resilient, and calm under pressure.
* Microsoft Skills: intermediate to advanced.
Being a Great Leader
* Align Goals with Values: connect team goals to the company’s values and purpose.
* Clear Communication: ensure goals, expectations, and roles are understood; foster open dialogue with regular check-ins.
* Role Model: lead by example with punctuality, responsibility, and brand advocacy.
* Provide Feedback: give constructive feedback and recognise achievements.
* Empower Your Team: delegate tasks and trust your team.
* Conflict Resolution: address conflicts promptly and fairly.
* Empathy: understand colleagues’ feelings and perspectives.
Our PERKS really are ‘The Works’
* 25% Colleague Discount with exclusive Double Discount days
* MyWorks: access exclusive online discounts across retailers, holidays, utilities deals, tech and more
* Family Friendly Leave: enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
* Holiday: 33 days including bank holidays
* Holiday Purchase: additional 5 days
* Can-Do Academy: training and development
* Stream: early access to 50% of wages as you earn them
* Share Scheme: own a piece of The Works
* Healthcare Cash Plan: support everyday healthcare costs
* Additional benefits: long service awards, pension, life assurance, cycle to work, charitable giving
Our Purpose and Values
To inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. We are Crafty, Caring, Can-do, and we listen and care. We run an anonymous colleague engagement survey annually to hear feedback and suggestions to continually improve.
We promote diversity, inclusion, and reasonable adjustments. Roles are open to all, including under-represented groups. We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working arrangements. If you need reasonable adjustments for an interview, let us know in your application.
We don’t just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. Time Well Spent. It All Starts With You.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries
Retail
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