We have a vacancy for a Buying Manager to join an ethically focussed, industry leading, award winning employer who is experiencing substantial growth. As a business-to-business sector company with an international supply chain this is an excellent opportunity for a socially conscious, motivated and inspiring leader to join an established team, with the scope to make a real impact both internally and externally.
This is a high profile position with 9 reports.
International travel will be required to Far East, Turkey and Europe visiting suppliers and trade fairs.
The Role
This is a key leadership role within the team. The post holder must be passionate about the product, be capable of challenging, influencing, making high-level decisions, effectively managing relationships, and delivering financial performance.
Purpose
To spearhead the delivery of the product ambition and performance in line with the product strategy, including all financial targets, optimization activities and range reviews. To lead the Buying & Design teams to deliver ranges that maximise sales and profit, minimise end to end costs and execute customer growth opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accountability
• Full responsibility for delivering on the financial plan: Sales, Intake Margin, Rebates. Formulating recovery plans where necessary to ensure full delivery vs plan.
• Responsible for negotiating costs & supplier terms.
Product Accountability
• Accountable for formulating & delivering Product Strategy/range assortment plans, and identification of key growth opportunities to maximise sales and profit.
• Identify the underlying principles, reasons for performance within the product range and take remedial actions where necessary for optimum range performance, working in collaboration and influencing others where necessary.
• Drive data led decision making with the Buying & NPD teams.
• Understand the wider market context to anticipate challenges and opportunities.
• Lead the Buying & Design teams to work on delivering high quality buy plans on time, followed by range assortment and sign off. Delivering right first time.
• Deliver end to end range management - SKU optimization plans, supplier optimization and global sourcing, working in collaboration with key stakeholders where necessary.
• Demonstrate strong planning and project management skills to ensure that targets are always met
People & Relationships
• Drive teamwork within the wider team - working in close collaboration with Technical, and Merchandising teams to land the product ambition.
• Lead, influence and inspire direct reports and the wider team to work collaboratively and cross functionally and be high performing.
• Deputize for Product Director as needed.
• Responsible for delivering supplier strategy and relationships.
• Responsible for managing relationship with key stakeholders at the customer end
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
• Educated to degree level or have equivalent relevant buying experience
• Experience, working with a range of external suppliers. Relevant category experience is preferable.
• Proven track record of negotiating and delivering cost savings.
• Product management (NPD and Range build).
• Detailed knowledge of the product, sector and market.
• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to articulate the product strategy and translate it into effective strategic initiatives and operational plans.
• Previous experience of leading a high performing team
• Strong commercial acumen supported by sound judgement.
• Experienced at managing cross functional change projects with strong project management skills and problem solving.
• Well-developed conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels within the business.
• Assertive and confident in a high-pressure environment with a high level of personal and professional credibility.
• Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
Attributes & Values
• Driven, passionate and influential
• Creative thinker
• Continuous improvement
• Ownership
• Exceeding Expectations
• Honourable
Additional Considerations
Due to the nature and seniority of this role, occasionally you will be required to be away from
the office, visiting factories and shows worldwide