Manchester
Location: Head Office Department: Wholesale Reports To: Head of Merchandising & Buying The Senior Buyer is responsible for developing and executing the department buying strategy, ensuring a compelling, profitable, and customer-centric product assortment. This role combines strong analytical ability with trend awareness / taste levels and supplier relationship management to drive sales, margin, and performance. The Senior Buyer collaborates closely with Design, Merchandising, and Marketing teams to deliver a cohesive and competitive product offering aligned with brand positioning. About your responsibilities: • Responsible for directing and implementing the execution of The Couture Club buying strategy that aligns with the overall product strategy and business goals., • Working with Design & Merchandising, delivers a strategic, commercial and trend driven profitable range which is relevant to the Couture Club customer,, • Competitor & Brand awareness, understands the importance of global trends, analyse customer insights, competitor activity, and market trends to identify new opportunities and gaps withing the range., • Collaborate with Design/Product Development to influence new product creation and seasonal direction., • Monitor in-season performance and make data-driven decisions, actively trade the department whilst continually reviewing changes in performance and taking appropriate actions to minimise impact and maximise profit., • Accountable for achieving department KPI’s on sales/margins/stocks/newness levels., • Develops & maintains critical path to achieve department deadlines, ensuring meetings are in line with supplier lead times to deliver the range at the right time., • Range builds – drive and collaborate on collection range builds – having strong product opinions and taste levels, • Manage the supply base, reviewing risks and opportunities, maximising margin benefits & product quality improvements where possible. Building strong strategic supplier partnerships., • Be a leading voice in development and inspiration trips., • Work collaboratively with cross functional teams; developing strong working relationships with direct points of contact to positively impact your department and the buying function., • Establish relationships with Marketing to support product launches & storytelling. About you as a leader: • Lead, motivate and develop the team to be a high performing, happy and successful team., • Hold your team accountable for getting tasks done but always with the brand values and guidelines at the heart of their decisions., • Mentor and support, • Drive best practices within the buying team and contribute to evolving processes and tools. About you: • 5 - 8+ years of buying experience within fashion or apparel retail; senior or lead buying experience required., • Imbedded in the industry and shifting trends / popular culture, • Leading and motivate a team is something you have experience in., • The ability to hold effective, genuine and strong relationships with both your internal stakeholders and external partners/suppliers., • Excellent negotiation, supplier management, and relationship-building skills., • Comfortable working with financial reports and data-driven decision-making., • Strong trend knowledge and understanding of global fashion markets., • Ability to manage multiple seasons and priorities in a fast-paced environment., • Strategic thinking / commercial mindset and a creative approach Contract: Full-time, Permanent Location: Manchester Head Office Department: Buying Benefits: • 25 days holiday + bank holidays, • Company bonus scheme, • Staff discount, • Company pension plan, • Flexible working hours, • Free on-site parking, • Birthday Day Off