Chief Buying Strategist

Head of Buying

The Head of Buying plays a strategic and hands-on leadership role in shaping and executing the overall buying direction for the organization. This includes full responsibility for product strategy development, execution, and commercial performance.

This role is pivotal in ensuring a differentiated, trend-forward, and commercially viable product assortment across all categories instore and online.

We are looking for a visionary innovator who challenges the status quo, embraces change, and brings a business-wide mindset to leadership.

• Lead the strategic direction for the full product portfolio, buying across all categories, including jewelry, crystal, homeware, art, womenswear, menswear, kids, fashion accessories, wellness, food, and seasonal ranges.
• Define and own the strategic vision for the Own Brand proposition from concept to customer, working in collaboration with the Own Brand and Buying teams to ensure alignment across product development, pricing, sourcing, design, and brand positioning.
• Take a business-wide view, working cross-functionally to ensure buying decisions support broader strategic goals and customer experience.
• Build and manage the full buying calendar and critical path for all categories, ensuring timely product delivery and commercial success across retail and online channels.
• Ensure the product offering is unique, trend-led, competitively priced, and aligned with the company's design, quality, and sustainability values.
• Take end-to-end ownership of the procurement process in line with best practices, including supplier sourcing, negotiation, and contract management.
• Ensure the product offering is maximized across all channels, for domestic and international customers, and via our international websites.
• Champion innovation and change, constantly seeking ways to improve the buying process, product development, and category performance.
• Lead and develop a high-performing buying team through clear objectives, regular performance reviews, and a strong culture of accountability and creativity.
• Maintain strong partnerships with suppliers and vendors, fostering collaboration, innovation, and efficiency.
• Use robust data analysis, market intelligence, and trading performance to guide decision-making and category development.
• Manage stock levels, working closely with the Merchandising team to ensure optimal availability, sell-through, and inventory control.
• Identify and respond to emerging market trends, expanding into new product categories to capture growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising and Retail Operations teams to deliver compelling in-store presentations and support storytelling of all product lines.
• Partner with digital and ecommerce teams to enhance the online product offer for both domestic and US sites, ensure stock availability, and improve the overall customer journey online.
• Establish commercial terms and SLAs with vendors, in conjunction with commercial and finance teams.
• Deliver key financial metrics, including sales growth, margin improvement, stock turn, and markdown optimization through strong commercial acumen.
• Receive continuous feedback on what customers and colleagues say about product ranges and act accordingly.

• A deep understanding of product development expertise, having owned the process from concept through to launch.
• Strong people leadership with the ability to influence, mentor, and develop others.
• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Senior Buyer or Buying Manager in a fast-paced retail environment, including demonstrated ownership of Own Brand strategy, product development, and execution.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to drive strategic growth while managing day-to-day operational execution.
• Demonstrated success in product development and sourcing across multiple categories.
• A deep understanding of supply chain, procurement, and inventory management principles with key supplier and manufacturing contacts.
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Excel, buying platforms, and merchandise planning tools.
• A consumer- and trend-focused mindset with a passion for retail and design.
• A full driving license is required.
• Highly motivated, adaptable, and results-driven.

This is a key leadership role that collaborates closely with internal stakeholders to deliver on the group's commercial and creative ambitions.