Buyer/Senior Buyer (12 Month Fixed-Term Contract – Maternity Cover)
Newquay, Cornwall | Hybrid Working
Relocate to the stunning Cornish coast and enjoy the opportunity to work for a purpose-led fashion brand based just 20 minutes from some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.
We are delighted to be partnering exclusively with a premium British lifestyle and fashion brand to recruit an experienced Buyer on a 12-month maternity cover contract, based at their Head Office in Newquay.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a certified B-Corp business renowned for its commitment to sustainability, responsible sourcing and timeless British design. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing commercially successful and sustainable womenswear ranges, while supporting the wider product and buying strategy across the business.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Product & Buying, the Buyer will be responsible for developing, sourcing and delivering profitable, commercial and sustainable product ranges that align with the brand’s handwriting and customer expectations.
Working cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Technical and Supply Chain teams, you will take ownership of the buying process from strategy and range planning through to supplier management, critical path delivery and trade performance analysis.
This role would suit a commercially driven and highly collaborative Buyer with strong product knowledge, supplier management experience and a genuine passion for premium womenswear product.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Range Building
- Develop a strong understanding of the customer profile and work closely with Design to evolve and deliver the brand aesthetic.
- Create and implement range strategies in line with overall business objectives, sales performance, quality standards and supply chain capabilities.
- Continuously review and evaluate range performance to inform future product decisions and departmental strategy.
- Deliver competitor and market analysis, identifying opportunities and key commercial learnings.
- Support seasonal and annual range reviews.
- Partner closely with Merchandising on range planning, reporting and commercial decision making.
- Collaborate with Technical teams to ensure compliance with legislation, quality standards and sustainability objectives.
- Ensure margin and profitability targets are achieved in line with business strategy.
Range Ambassador
- Present product ranges confidently during seasonal reviews and business meetings, clearly communicating key product stories and commercial highlights.
- Promote best practice across the product function and encourage strong cross-functional collaboration.
- Bring enthusiasm, positivity and passion for product to both the wider team and business.
Supplier Management
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships across the supply base.
- Negotiate effectively to achieve the best commercial outcome without compromising on quality, design or delivery.
- Identify sourcing opportunities that improve agility, margin and operational efficiency.
- Challenge suppliers on pricing and lead times to ensure proactive and commercially competitive partnerships.
- Support costing exercises across the supply base to ensure the best production routes and value are achieved.
- Assist with onboarding new suppliers, including negotiations around contracts and payment terms.
- Manage supplier compliance issues and negotiate resolutions where required.
- Oversee relationships with third-party providers, including packaging suppliers, ensuring quality and cost efficiency.
Critical Path Management
- Support the planning and management of departmental critical paths in line with wider business timelines.
- Ensure all trackers, systems and product information are accurately maintained.
- Monitor product status throughout development, proactively identifying risks and coordinating solutions to maintain delivery schedules.
Team Leadership
- Provide leadership, direction and support to junior team members.
- Motivate and inspire the wider team through a positive and collaborative approach.
- Conduct regular 1-2-1 meetings and support ongoing personal development and performance management.
About You
- Currently operating at Buyer or Senior Buyer level within womenswear fashion.
- Proven track record of developing and trading successful clothing ranges that exceed sales and profit targets.
- Strong understanding of fabrics, garment construction, sourcing and the end-to-end buying process.
- Experienced in supplier negotiation, cost management and delivery management.
- Highly commercial with strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Passionate about premium product, sustainability and responsible sourcing.
What’s on Offer
- 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract.
- Opportunity to join a certified B-Corp business with sustainability at the heart of its culture and product.
- Relocation opportunity to beautiful Newquay, Cornwall.
- Hybrid working model.
- Collaborative and values-led working environment.
- The opportunity to work with a highly respected premium lifestyle brand with authentic heritage values and ambitious growth plans.
If you are an Buyer looking for an exciting opportunity to combine commercial product leadership with an exceptional coastal lifestyle, we would love to hear from you.