Buying and Merchandising Manager

Job ref: 32673

The Brand
This exciting role is for a globally recognised fashion brand that is known for its distinctive style and market presence across the UK and Europe. With a strong identity and commitment to quality, the brand is a leader in delivering innovative and trend-forward products. The company operates across multiple channels and markets, continually evolving to meet customer demands.

The Role
As a Buying & Merchandising Manager, you will lead the buying and merchandising strategies, ensuring that the product range reflects the brand’s identity while meeting consumer demand across different regions. You will work closely with planning, partner merchandisers, and licensee sales teams to manage inventory planning, ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with seasonal trends. Your role will be integral in driving sales, profitability, and overall business success.

Key Responsibilities:
Buying Strategy & Product Development

Lead the development of seasonal buying strategies that align with brand guidelines and market trends.

Manage the product selection process, ensuring a commercially viable assortment that upholds the brand’s identity.

Ensure products meet price, quality, and sustainability standards.

Merchandising Planning

Develop and implement merchandising plans that maximize sales and profitability.

Analyse sales performance, inventory levels, and market trends to inform product allocation and replenishment strategies.

Work with the planning team to manage stock levels, ensuring optimal inventory management across all channels.

Vendor & Supplier Management

Build and maintain relationships with key partners, vendors, and suppliers.

Negotiate terms, pricing, and lead times to ensure timely delivery and cost efficiency.

Monitor supplier performance to ensure quality standards and production timelines are met.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate with design, sales, marketing, and logistics teams to deliver cohesive product launches and seasonal collections.

Partner with finance to forecast and manage the product budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals.

Performance Analysis

Conduct detailed sales and margin analysis to identify key product drivers and areas for improvement.

Use data insights to make recommendations on product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.

Track and report on KPIs such as sell-through rates, stock turn, and markdown performance.

The Person
We are looking for someone who combines creativity with strong analytical skills, with a deep understanding of fashion trends, customer behavior, and market dynamics. This role requires a strategic thinker who can also manage day-to-day operational tasks effectively.

What You’ll Bring:

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Experience with merchandising and planning software.

Familiarity with design and inventory management tools.

Strong understanding of retail math, financial metrics, and forecasting.

Knowledge of e-commerce platforms (Shopify preferred) and omnichannel retail.

Personal Traits:

Highly organised and detail-oriented.

Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing cross-functional teams.

Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

Strong commercial awareness and a keen eye for trends and market shifts.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

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Billy Buckley

Senior Talent Partner

billy@wecomm.co.uk