Buying Manager

Buying Manager | Fashion & Accessories | Ecom, Retail & Wholesale | Circa £48,000 + Benefits

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and wide SLT.

We're seeking a highly commercial, trend-savvy, and forward-thinking Buyer to lead and develop our buying strategy across a broad product offering. With responsibility for a reach of over 250 high-street retail doors in the UK alone, this is a pivotal, hands-on role that requires strong leadership, exceptional fashion acumen, and an international mindset.

As the Buying Manager, you will cover and lead:

Trend Analysis & Product Development

• Continuously analyse and forecast trends using consumer data, social insights, and market intelligence to drive fashion-forward and commercially viable ranges.

• Take regular sourcing trips to the Far East to collaborate with suppliers on new designs, fabrics, and manufacturing innovations.

• Travel to key fashion capitals across Europe to conduct stock buys, attend trade fairs, and identify new product opportunities and market inspiration.

• Champion and drive newness through trend-led designs, category innovation, and a continual eye for fresh, commercially exciting product ranges.

Buying & Procurement

• Attend trade fairs and suppliers to source new and innovative product lines.

• Negotiate pricing, delivery timelines, minimum order quantities, and exclusivity deals to maximise margin and speed to market.

• Monitor and manage open purchase orders, ensuring accurate records, vendor tracking, and timely deliveries.

• Provide weekly reporting to management on purchase order statuses, including closure updates and invoice reconciliation.

• Partner with the merchandising and allocations team to align deliveries, manage stock flows, and resolve issues with missing or back-ordered items.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and inspire a small team including a Junior Buyer and Retail Allocators, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and development.

• Foster a culture of autonomy, creativity, and accountability - giving your team the space to grow while offering guidance and support.

• Be known as an approachable, fair, and empowering manager who champions collaboration and team success.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Liaise with Field Management teams to ensure store-level purchase orders are accurate and aligned with stock needs and trading patterns.

• Work cross-functionally with design, marketing, visual merchandising, and planning teams to execute cohesive seasonal stories and strategies.

• Report directly to the Managing Directors, playing a key role in high-level planning, business development, and growth initiatives.

About You:

• A commercially astute buyer with a proven track record in fast-paced fashion retail (multi-category or multi-brand experience highly advantageous).

• Strong trend and product development sensibility, with experience in both Far East sourcing and European buying trips.

• Inspirational team leader who believes in nurturing talent, offering autonomy, and leading by example.

• Highly organised, analytical, and confident in data-led decision making, with excellent negotiation and supplier relationship skills.

• Adaptable, proactive, and passionate about driving innovation and staying ahead in a dynamic, consumer-focused market.

BBBH33868