Location: Head Office
Department: Wholesale
Reports To: Head of Merchandising & Buying
The Senior Buyer is responsible for developing and executing the department buying strategy, ensuring a compelling, profitable, and customer-centric product assortment. This role combines strong analytical ability with trend awareness / taste levels and supplier relationship management to drive sales, margin, and performance. The Senior Buyer collaborates closely with Design, Merchandising, and Marketing teams to deliver a cohesive and competitive product offering aligned with brand positioning.
About your responsibilities:
* Responsible for directing and implementing the execution of The Couture Club buying strategy that aligns with the overall product strategy and business goals.
* Working with Design & Merchandising, delivers a strategic, commercial and trend driven profitable range which is relevant to the Couture Club customer,
* Competitor & Brand awareness, understands the importance of global trends, analyse customer insights, competitor activity, and market trends to identify new opportunities and gaps withing the range.
* Collaborate with Design/Product Development to influence new product creation and seasonal direction.
* Monitor in-season performance and make data-driven decisions, actively trade the department whilst continually reviewing changes in performance and taking appropriate actions to minimise impact and maximise profit.
* Accountable for achieving department KPI’s on sales/margins/stocks/newness levels.
* Develops & maintains critical path to achieve department deadlines, ensuring meetings are in line with supplier lead times to deliver the range at the right time.
* Range builds – drive and collaborate on collection range builds – having strong product opinions and taste levels
* Manage the supply base, reviewing risks and opportunities, maximising margin benefits & product quality improvements where possible. Building strong strategic supplier partnerships.
* Be a leading voice in development and inspiration trips.
* Work collaboratively with cross functional teams; developing strong working relationships with direct points of contact to positively impact your department and the buying function.
* Establish relationships with Marketing to support product launches & storytelling.
About you as a leader:
* Lead, motivate and develop the team to be a high performing, happy and successful team.
* Hold your team accountable for getting tasks done but always with the brand values and guidelines at the heart of their decisions.
* Mentor and support
* Drive best practices within the buying team and contribute to evolving processes and tools.
About you:
* 5 - 8+ years of buying experience within fashion or apparel retail; senior or lead buying experience required.
* Imbedded in the industry and shifting trends / popular culture
* Leading and motivate a team is something you have experience in.
* The ability to hold effective, genuine and strong relationships with both your internal stakeholders and external partners/suppliers.
* Excellent negotiation, supplier management, and relationship-building skills.
* Comfortable working with financial reports and data-driven decision-making.
* Strong trend knowledge and understanding of global fashion markets.
* Ability to manage multiple seasons and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
* Strategic thinking / commercial mindset and a creative approach
1.
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Manchester Head Office
Department: Buying
Benefits:
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
* Company bonus scheme
* Staff discount
* Company pension plan
* Flexible working hours
* Free on-site parking
* Birthday Day Off