Head of Buying

London, UK

£55,000

• Permanent
• Strategic Buying Expertise
• Proven Team Leader
• Supplier Negotiation Skills

About the candidate

The candidate is a highly experienced Head of Buying, with a rich background in the fashion industry. They possess over ten years of expertise in escalating brand presence and architecting avant-garde product strategies. Their aptitude for understanding market dynamics is complemented by proficiency in forming crucial buying plans resonating with a brand's identity and growth goals. This professional thrives in collaborative environments, successfully uniting sectors like Merchandising, Design, and Marketing to achieve collective success. Notably adept in negotiation and managing supplier relationships, they bring a nuanced grasp of pricing and margins, pivotal in boosting profitability and sell-through rates.

What makes them great?

• Revenue Growth: Spearheaded the development of a seasonal buying plan that resulted in a 30% increase in full-price sell-through within the first year at a major fashion retailer.
• Margin Improvement: Successfully negotiated supplier contracts resulting in a 15% margin improvement for a mid-size apparel brand.
• Market Adaptation: Instrumental in launching a new product line that contributed to a 20% sales growth in the first season at a regional fashion chain.

Areas of expertise

• Strategic Buying and Range Planning: Expert in crafting and overseeing comprehensive buying strategies that ensure balanced product ranges and optimised margins.
• Negotiation and Supplier Management: Highly skilled in negotiating favourable terms and maintaining productive relationships with suppliers, focusing on quality and timely delivery.
• Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven leader of high-performing teams; excels in fostering collaboration across functions like design and marketing.