About the role

We have a new opportunity for a Head of Buying to join the Homes team. The succesful candidate will create and develop the departmental product strategy, which satisfies customer requirements ensuring that all product ranges deliver the core values and attributes of the brand(s).  Manages the development of the product that will deliver the budgeted sales and profit for the business unit.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop a clear strategy taking full account of historical performance, economic and market conditions and the need to maintain the core values and attributes of the Brands
• Ensures effective communication of plans and strategies to the merchandising and buying teams
• Develops and executes a sourcing plan in line with the company strategy, which balances the opportunity for maximising margin with the need for flexibility to respond to the changing market trends and customer needs
• Develop strong relationships with key suppliers
• Manages the activities of the Buying teams and their development of commercial ranges in order to meet the initial margin targets and the buying calendar deadlines
• Agrees and sets objectives with direct reports, manages the team/individual performance and provides coaching, advice and guidance so they can work effectively and develop within their roles
• Ensures effective team working to enhance individual ability and overall team dynamics to contribute to the business now and in the future
• Continually analyse competitors and appraise the Brand(s) ranges by comparison
• Builds good working relationships and works in a collaborative style with other functions and senior managers to solve business issues

About you

• Proven experience of managing a Buying team in a Retail and/or Mail Order environment, in order to meet the Company’s targets
• Sound experience of Planning in a mail order or large retail environment/Multi channel business
• High level range planning skills
• Overseas sourcing experience where applicable
• Broad related product experience both branded and own buy development
• Ability to balance the pre-season planning with the in-trading requirements
• Experience of working with digital trading an advantage
• Proven influencing and negotiation skills
• Ability to lead through rapid change
• Sound experience of people management, with coaching skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Commerciality and sound judgement

Why FGH?

Our staff enjoy competitive benefits including staff discount, generous annual leave, healthcare cash plan together with a vibrant, colourful, creative and flexible working atmosphere. With our competitive benefits, and supportive teams our staff enjoy helping us on our mission and benefit greatly from the challenges that come with working for a successful retailer.

About us

Freemans Grattan Holdings (FGH) is based in West Yorkshire and is part of the OTTO Group – one of the world’s largest online retailer. FGH is the home of familiar brands such as Freemans, Grattan, Kaleidoscope, Swimwear 365, Look Again, Bonprix, Curvissa and Witt.

We offer a broad choice of products and are committed to offering great service and delivery seven days a week. We meet the needs of our extensive and varied loyal customer base by having a Customer First mantra and being fair in how we deal with our customers and employees. Innovation is key as we look for new ideas which will improve the customer experience and our business processes.

We have a great team and integrity plays an important part in how we work together. We currently employ over 700 people within Vicar Lane office, Listerhills warehouse and credit operations, offering a diverse range of opportunities, generous benefits and a good work/life balance. Our mission is to be the preferred choice in internet and home shopping…do things better or do things differently.