We’ve been the go-to for the freshest trainer and apparel releases since 2005, whether it’s big name brands or emerging bedroom labels we’ve got it covered. With over 65 high-street stores across the UK, we’re taking over the high street one step at a time.
Description
We’re looking for an experienced and visionary Head of Footwear and Accessories Buying to lead the strategy, range, and execution for one of our most important product areas. This is a unique opportunity to influence both 3rd party brand partnerships and our own-brand collections, ensuring Footasylum continues to lead in style, relevance, and innovation for our target consumer in the UK and across the globe.
Working closely with our Chief Product Officer, you’ll set the long-term direction for footwear and accessories while keeping us ahead of the market and competition.
The Role
In this role, you will:
* Lead and deliver the long-term Footwear & Accessories buying strategy.
* Oversee seasonal range planning and product selection for both 3rd party brands and Own Brand.
* Manage brand budget planning in alignment with Merchandising.
* Build strategic, long-term relationships with key global brands.
* Ensure ranges resonate with our customer and reflect our brand DNA.
* Coach and develop the buying team, ensuring clear goals, feedback, and career growth.
* Play a key role on the Footasylum Leadership Team to deliver overall business goals.
About You
You’ll be a commercially savvy leader with:
* 8+ years’ buying experience with a proven track record in leadership.
* Expertise in building and executing buying strategies for multiple product categories.
* A relationship-builder who can partner with top global brands and inspire internal teams.
* The ability to spot trends early and pivot fast to meet evolving consumer needs.
* Experience in budget planning, negotiation, and margin achievement.
* A forward-thinking approach that blends creativity with commercial results.
The Team
You’ll head up our Footwear and Accessories Buying function, collaborating with cross-functional teams including Merchandising, Apparel, and Marketing. Your team will be at the forefront of trend spotting, range planning, and brand negotiations—delivering a product offer that excites customers in our stores and online.
We’re a fast-paced, passionate group that loves to push boundaries, challenge norms, and deliver best-in-class ranges season after season.
Diversity
We recognise and value the importance of diversity to help make sure we have lots of different perspectives when we are building products and services. We know that this will help us build useful and accessible things which our customers will love. This is great news for our business. Diversity for us is also, importantly, about building happy teams full of people that want to learn and want to be inspired by each other and our different experiences and backgrounds.
Recruitment Process
We’ll help make the interview process as transparent and stress-free as possible.
We review applications individually, and if we feel you would be a good fit, we’ll invite you for a call or Teams video for an informal chat about the role and to see if we’re a good fit for you.
We value open and honest conversations and collaboration, allowing you to learn about our work in an informal and friendly environment. We want to know about you and why you feel this is your opportunity.
Please note this is not a remote role, and we expect that you will be able to attend Head Office in a hybrid way in Greater Manchester.