Garden Trends is a fast-growing, multi-channel retailer specialising in premium outdoor living products, including garden furniture, BBQs, outdoor kitchens, pergolas and leisure accessories. We operate through a strong and expanding ecommerce presence, alongside our flagship retail store, working with a wide range of UK and international suppliers.
We are an ambitious and forward-thinking business that values collaboration, accountability and innovation. As we continue to scale, we are looking to strengthen our buying team with the addition of a commercially minded Buyer to support the growth of our outdoor living and leisure products.
The Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and commercially aware Buyer to support the planning, sourcing, selection, delivery and ongoing management of our BBQ, outdoor kitchen and garden pergola ranges.
Reporting to the Senior Buyer, this role will play a key part in ensuring our outdoor living categories remain commercially competitive, trend-led and aligned with sales, margin and stock targets. The successful candidate will contribute to category growth strategy, supplier sourcing initiatives and product development across key outdoor living ranges.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term buying career within a fast-paced and entrepreneurial retail business. You will gain hands‑on experience across international sourcing, product development, ecommerce trading and commercial decision-making, while working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
This position is based at our Head Office in Watlington, Oxfordshire, with hybrid working considered for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
Buying & Range Development
* Support the development and maintenance of our BBQ, outdoor kitchen and pergola product ranges across key categories
* Assist with product selection, sample management and range reviews
* Identify opportunities for category growth, innovation and product differentiation
* Support development of exclusive and own‑brand product ranges
* Work with suppliers on product specifications, finishes, materials and packaging enhancements
* Carry out competitor analysis and market trend research to inform range development
* Identify emerging trends within outdoor cooking, entertaining and garden structure categories
* Maintain accurate product data, range plans and line lists
* Support communication with UK and international suppliers regarding samples, cost prices, specifications and timelines
* Assist with supplier negotiations on pricing, quantities and delivery schedules
* Build and maintain strong supplier relationships under the guidance of senior stakeholders
* Raise purchase orders and support the management of stock levels and delivery phasing
* Track production progress and proactively highlight potential risks or delays
* Support sourcing decisions aligned with quality, sustainability and long‑term supplier partnerships
* Support compliance with UK product safety and consumer protection legislation
* Assist with quality checks and compliance documentation where required
* Attend UK and international trade shows, supplier visits and sourcing meetings where required
Trading & Performance Analysis
* Assist with demand forecasting through analysis of sales and stock data
* Support achievement of sales, margin and stock‑turn targets across outdoor living categories
* Support monthly stock reconciliation and maintain accurate purchasing records
* Assist with cost tracking, margin analysis and budget monitoring
* Prepare sales, stock and margin reports to support trading decisions
* Monitor sell‑through, availability and stock levels across outdoor living categories
* Support reorders, reforecasting and promotional activity under guidance
* Assist with post‑season reviews and product performance analysis
Ecommerce & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with the Senior Buyer and wider buying team to support purchasing decisions
* Collaborate with merchandising, supply chain, marketing and e‑commerce teams
* Support online product launches, campaigns and key trading milestones
* Liaise with retail store and customer service teams where required
* Develop awareness of e‑commerce trading performance and online customer behaviour
* Contribute to new product launches and category growth initiatives
Skills & Experience
* 1–3 years’ experience in a retail buying, merchandising, purchasing or retail head‑office support role
* Strong numerical and analytical skills with confidence using Excel, including Pivot Tables and data analysis
* Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
* Clear and effective communication skills, with confidence engaging suppliers and internal teams
* Strong commercial awareness and interest in outdoor living, BBQs, garden leisure or home and garden retail
* Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast‑paced retail environment
* Understanding of key retail KPIs including sales, margin, stock‑turn and availability
* Exposure to working with UK and overseas suppliers, including the Far East
* Experience within outdoor living, garden, leisure, DIY or home categories
* Experience using purchasing or stock management systems
* Interest in product development, design and market trends
* Awareness of trends within BBQs, outdoor kitchens, pergolas and garden entertaining
Personal Attributes
* Proactive with a strong desire to learn and develop
* Commercially curious with a customer‑focused mindset
* Enthusiastic, organised and reliable
* Able to work collaboratively while taking ownership of responsibilities
* Positive and adaptable approach within a growing business
Working Pattern
* Peak workload during spring and summer trading periods
* Occasional national and international travel to support supplier meetings and trade shows may be required
What We Offer
* A clear progression pathway into a more senior buying role
* Exposure to international sourcing and supplier relationships
* Hands‑on involvement in trend‑led product development
* A supportive, entrepreneurial and collaborative working environment
* Hybrid working flexibility (for the right candidate)
* Opportunity to contribute to a fast‑growing outdoor living retailer
* Rural office location with free on‑site parking
* Complimentary tea and coffee facilities
* Company pension scheme
* Friendly, close‑knit team environment
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing outdoor living retailer at a key stage of expansion. You’ll gain exposure to international sourcing, trend‑led product development and fast‑moving e‑commerce retail, while playing a hands‑on role in shaping commercially successful outdoor living ranges.
You will be supported, trusted and given genuine opportunity to develop your career as the business continues to grow.
#J-18808-Ljbffr