Head of Buying & Merchandising – OddBalls
Oddballs is one of the UK’s most vibrant and distinctive underwear brands, offering high quality underwear and associated products via its online marketplace and is currently one of the fastest growing e-com brands in the Northeast.
With over 300 sleek underwear designs, cutting-edge sportswear, and accessories that turn heads, we're the go-to brand for those who appreciate quality and style. But it's not just about looking sharp; it's about doing good too. We now donate to, support and make underwear for some brilliant charities – and have donated over £1 million since 2014.
In the sports arena, we've forged partnerships with the heavyweights - The British & Irish Lions, England Rugby, and a lineup of top-tier teams. We play hard, and we win big.
Key Responsibilities of Role & Department
Strategy and Planning
* Work closely with the CEO to drive the overall buying and merchandising strategy, aligning it with the company’s financial goals, growth targets, and brand positioning.
* Create and execute seasonal buying plans, sales forecasts, and range strategies that deliver profitability and reflect customer and market insights.
* Ensure an effective balance between DTC and wholesale channel priorities to maximise growth and margin.
Team Management
* Lead, manage, and motivate the buying and merchandising teams, setting clear objectives and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
* Develop team capabilities through training and performance management.
Negotiation
* Negotiate purchase prices, delivery terms, and contracts to achieve desired margins and improve cash flow.
* Build strong, long-term supplier and licensor relationships that support strategic growth.
Stock Management
* Minimise end-of-season markdowns through proactive planning, accurate forecasting, and timely trading decisions.
* Oversee critical path management and delivery timelines with Head of Operations to ensure product launches hit key seasonal milestones.
Performance Analysis
* Analyse trading patterns and performance to identify opportunities and risks, producing regular trade and range reports.
* Drive data-led decision-making, using insights to refine strategy, assortment, pricing, and replenishment.
Key Skills & Experience
* Highly experienced in buying with a relevant brand.
* Trend forecasting and seasonal product planning.
* Assortment planning with focus on best sellers and margin management.
* Vendor and supplier negotiation, including international sourcing.
* Proficient use of inventory management and stock optimisation systems.
* Data-driven decision-making using sales and performance analytics.
* Leadership and team management experience.
* Knowledge of apparel, digital-first, and social commerce trends.
* Cross-functional collaboration with design, social, marketing, and operations teams.
Our Values
Smile: OddBalls and smiling go hand-in-hand the perfect combination for a great working environment.
Family: We support each other to achieve their professional goals and include everyone.
Quality: We pride ourselves on the quality of our products and customer service. Join our league of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence and innovation.
Cause: We raise awareness and money for charities in our own unique way to give back to the communities.
Equality Policy
Oddballs is an equal opportunities employer and actively supports Human Rights, and all Equality legislation. Our ethos is to respect and value people’s differences, to help everyone achieve more at work as well as in their personal lives so that they feel proud of the part they play in our success.
OddBalls understands the importance of a balanced and fulfilling work life. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, allowing you to enjoy the flexibility of working from home one day per week.
Our commitment to work-life balance extends further with our "Early Finish Friday" policy, providing you with the opportunity to start your weekend early.
In addition to these flexible work arrangements, we believe in recognising and rewarding our team. Enjoy discounted products from our range, adding an extra perk to your overall package.
We also offer Biannual social/culture events, free onsite parking, cycle to work scheme, and an abundance of learning and development opportunities.
Place of work
* 4 days per week at our office in Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Shields.
Working hours
Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Recruitment & interviews
We want everyone to feel supported and able to perform at their best when they join us for an interview. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to help make your recruitment experience with us more comfortable.
How to apply:
Please send your CV and short introduction letter to careers@myoddballs.com
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