Job Description
About Us
Rebecca Udall is a fast growing global luxury homeware brand specialising in linens and artisan homeware. Firm believers in buying less, better, and elevating the everyday. It's a very exciting time to join the business as we scale-up: we have ambitious plans to be a leader in the luxury homeware market both in the UK and abroad. Working with predominantly European heritage and artisan manufacturers, we are focused on building product collections championing craftsmanship, provenance and longevity.
Role Overview
Reporting in to the Founder & MD, this role will have an instrumental role in the future of the brand. Key to developing design-led, bold and unique product collections, the Buyer will work closely with our Design & Product Development and Merchandising teams to develop, launch and monitor successful product ranges.
Ideation & Strategy
* Market analysis: researching trends, sales data and market news to inform product strategy and buying decisions
* To partner with the Founder and other stakeholders to define the product strategy
* To maintain commercial awareness: understanding the market, competition and consumer behaviour to understand opportunities
Product Development & Range Management
* To work closely with the Founder and Product Development & Design team from a strategic viewpoint to deliver commercially strong product collections in line with the product strategy
* To lead on development of range expansions and new products that design are not leading on, such as collaborations or working with certain artisanal makers
* Budget review, prioritisation and allocation
* To identify geographical areas of homeware craftsmanship, provenance and particular artisanal skill to continue building out our range: sourcing, review & contribution to range development
* Leading on the commercial elements of new product ranges: negotiation, price architecture, range building, prioritisation of budget and brand building
Buying Operations
* To manage and oversee the day-to-day running of the Buying function including managing junior colleagues
* To lead product onboarding and offboarding to all stakeholders
* To work closely with eCom, marketing and operations teams to ensure the successful promotion, presentation and communication of product ranges and to be a key point of contact for the Business for any product queries and feedback
* To own and lead the range plan. To achieve gross profit margin targets inclusive of all P&L elements (packaging, transport costs, gift packaging)
* Responsible for the buying critical path management
* Maintenance of supplier score cards and information
* Identifying quality standards and ensuring products meet those standards
* Provide data analysis for product range expansions and discontinuation
* To support efficient and accurate process implementation as we continue to grow
* To ensure that all stock orders meet suitable lead times and quality: resolving issues as required
* Ensure the suitable presentation and packaging of products for bricks & mortar and eCommerce
Supplier Management
* To negotiate prices, payment terms, MOQs and managing terms of agreement
* Manage relationships (European and Far East suppliers)
* Ensuring accurate and thorough completion of onboarding documents and due diligence such as audits and certifications
* Strategic review. To analyse suitability of suppliers, build strong relationships and negotiate terms. Sourcing support as required
* To attend trade shows and supplier premises, as required, domestically and internationally to source new suppliers, develop projects and maintain relationships
* To oversee processing of faulty goods, ensuring the effective management of damaged and faulty goods with stakeholders including suppliers
* Resolving any supplier disputes efficiently and proactively
Trading
* To lead weekly B&M trade meetings and feedback actions to the Founder
* Monitoring sales performance and reacting to trading opportunities.
* Managing inventory levels to meet sales targets, working collaboratively with merchandising
About You
Your Experience
* At least five years in a Buying team, and should have minimum 2 years in a Junior Buyer or Buyer role. Homeware experience advantageous but not required
* Degree educated or equivalent, ideally in a business or retail related degree
* Proven ability to manage margins, pricing strategies & category performance
* Experience managing a team and a natural leader
* Demonstrable understanding of the design-forward, luxury consumer
Skills
* Interested in design / interiors
* Ambitious, collaborative, self-motivated & excellent problem solver
* Tech savvy as a fast-growing, digitally focused brand (ability to use AI would be advantageous)
* Exceptional communication, negotiation skills with strong ability to influence
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail
* Commercially and analytical focused plus a natural affinity with numbers
Our Company Values
* Digital first – we seek to utilise digital tools to be more efficient, accurate and aid better communication
* Entrepreneurial – we are effective problem solvers, seeking an efficient solution and challenge the status-quo
* Passionate & content team – we support one another, react positively to problems and empathise with one another
* Customer first – our customer is at the heart of everything we do and should be the key to all decisions and priorities
Benefits
* Staff sample sales up to 80% off
* Staff discount up to 50% off
* Complimentary office fruit & coffee machine
* On site parking
* Extended holiday with service (up to five additional days)
* Excellent opportunity to grow with the brand for the right person
Competitive salary available, dependent on role fit and experience. Please apply with a CV and cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role and think you would be a good fit.