Buying Director - Giftware

Buying Director
Stockport

About Joe Davies

Joe Davies is a successful long-established family business specialising in the import and distribution of giftware to independent retailers nationwide. The Company operates from its own distribution facilities based in Stockport with a turnover in excess of £15 million.

The business distributes a wide product range of over 10,000 items across multiple gift categories.

This role

As part of its long-term succession plan, Joe Davies is looking to appoint a Buying Director to take ownership of all buying for the business. Reporting into the Managing Director, you will take responsibility for buying the Company's wide product range leading a small professional team.

Key responsibilities

• Buy the product required to maintain, grow and achieve required sales and profit figures
• Develop, source and buy new ranges of gift products across various categories.
• Product range planning and discontinuation of non-performing products.
• Develop strong relationships with the sales and management team to deliver a range that meets the needs of both customers and the business.
• Manage and develop relationships with the Company's factories, suppliers and agents to deliver the product required, to the standard required, whilst maintaining stock availability.
• Maintain a healthy control on stock levels.
• Manage, lead and guide a small and experienced team.
• Contribute to the future direction of the Business.

Skills & Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• An eye for product, with the ability to make the required changes to make a line commercial
• A proven track record in taking ownership for developing, buying and putting together a range of comparable products
• Significant experience of hands-on development with factories in the Far East and a commitment to travel. Extensive Far East travel is required for the role (approx. 25%)
• Strong commercial instinct with a hard-working, self-motivated approach
• The willingness to get deeply involved in the day to day buying for the business

Remuneration

Competitive Salary + Benefits, with an opportunity to become a Board Member in the future

Cast UK

Cast UK are managing this assignment on behalf of Joe Davies. All third-party applications will be forwarded to Cast UK for review. Cast UK is a leading executive consultancy providing national recruitment solutions to both clients and candidates. Specialising in Procurement, Buying, Supply Chain and Logistics, each member of our specialist team has a professional background specific to their sector. With this unique insight and knowledge, our consultants are able to place individuals from trainee through to main board.