Senior Buyer – Home, Lifestyle & Licensed Products
Location: South Manchester (Hybrid – 3 days in office, 2 days remote)
Are you an experienced and commercially driven Senior Buyer or Buyer with a passion for branded products and strong negotiation skills? We’re exclusively recruiting for a fantastic client in South Manchester. We’re looking for a Senior Buyer to join a fast-paced and innovative product team, developing exciting ranges across categories including bedding, textiles, lighting, towels, soft furnishings, toys, children’s furniture and other hardline products. You’ll be part of a collaborative environment where creativity and commerciality go hand-in-hand – taking ownership from concept through to delivery.
This is a vital role that requires deep knowledge of sourcing, product development, supplier negotiations and critical path management – often across multiple brands and timelines. You’ll work with factories globally to achieve the best prices, terms and product execution.
What You’ll Be Doing:
* Developing commercial, trend-led product ranges across textiles (bedding, cushions, towels), lighting, soft furnishings, children’s products, toys, and hardlines
* Managing multiple critical paths simultaneously across different licensors, products and retail timelines
* Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships with factories across China, Pakistan, India, Turkey and beyond
* Negotiating best prices, MOQs and deal terms, ensuring cost targets and commercial margins are achieved
* Managing the full product lifecycle – from concept, costing and sampling to licensor approvals, sign-off and delivery
* Translating retailer briefs into commercially viable, brand-aligned product collections
* Creating detailed product specifications and overseeing sample quality and factory execution
* Staying ahead of trends and conducting regular market research and comp shops
* Supporting sales and creative teams with innovative, competitive products tailored to each market
* Presenting new ranges to internal stakeholders and retail buying teams
* Helping onboard new systems – experience with Business Central/Dynamics is a plus
* Identifying and onboarding new suppliers in existing and emerging categories
What You’ll Bring:
* Ideally 4+ years’ experience in Buying, Sourcing or Product Development, ideally in soft furnishings, textiles, bedding, lighting, toys, or children’s furniture
* Strong background in supplier negotiations and global sourcing, with proven ability to secure the best factory prices and terms
* Experience managing multiple critical paths with accuracy and speed
* Strong understanding of product lifecycles and licensor approval processes
* Experience with licensed or branded products is highly beneficial
* Confident communicator, skilled at working cross-functionally and presenting to stakeholders
* Willingness to travel when needed (UK and international)
Why Join?
* Hybrid working and amazing, flexible hours (work/life balance is at the core of what they believe)
* Work with some of the most iconic and recognisable global brands
* Fantastic holiday package