Head of Buying - SimplyBe (FTC)

N Brown – who we are and why work for us? 

At N Brown, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by ‘championing inclusion, we’ll become the most loved and trusted fashion retailer’. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are, therefore, at the heart of our culture. 

We’re a forward-thinking digital retailer with a financial services proposition to be proud of. We’re customer-obsessed, serving them through three core brands: JD Williams, Simply Be, and Jacamo. We’re experienced, with over 160 years of trading under our belt. We’re inclusive, as we believe in fashion without boundaries; and we’re sustainable, striving to make as little impact on the planet as possible. 

The role 

We’re looking for a Head of Buying to join our Retail team on a 12 month FTC  

The Head of Buying leads the Brand to deliver the best ranges for our customer, as well as operating in the wider team structure such as Sourcing, Product Innovation and Merchandising.  

Supporting the Director of Buying with the implementation of the divisional strategy to deliver a profitable customer centric range and get the best out of the team. 

What’s in it for you? 

• 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays) with the option to buy an additional 10 days 

• Annual bonus scheme 

• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave 

• Access to Apricity, a self-funding IVF benefit at a reduced rate 

• Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution 

• Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services 

• A range of financial wellbeing support 

• Colleague discount across all N Brown brands 

• Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts! 

• Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance 

• Paid volunteer time – all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice 

What will you do as a Head of Buying at N Brown? 

•  To create and manage a product category and range strategy, to deliver against the brand guidelines and business strategy to meet the needs of the consumer segments, brands and channels, working closely with Head of Merchandise. 

• To manage the product category P&L to optimise performance and return on investment. 

• To lead the range planning and selection process to deliver product ranges in line with the brief of the brand. 

• To lead the sourcing and supplier strategy, supplier negotiation and supplier management for their given brand. 

• To deliver a cohesive handwriting and range optimisation for their brand.  

• Work closely with Head of Quality to ensure products offer value for money in line with outlined quality strategy and pricing policy. Focus to reduce returns rates. Increase customer 5-star product reviews whilst driving the customer panel most preferred result. 

• Lead the product dimension of in-season trading performance, and any variance to plan, to deliver optimum return on investment 

• Recruit, train, develop, lead and motivate a team to ensure that the business and segment objectives are met 

• Keep abreast of market intelligence, with knowledge and awareness specifically around key competitors. 

• Keep abreast of fashion and key consumer trends. 

Accountable for: 

• Buying relevant products at the right cost price and correct selling price based on pricing strategy driving the BIM and lead time to achieve cash contribution. 

• Buying product relevant to customer segmentation and brand 

• Pricing, features and the availability of our products to enhance our customer experience. 

• EBITDA, VIBE, NOS, Online Sales plus further KPI’s from top 25 TBD. 

Key Stakeholders: 

• Merchandising, Fit, Sourcing, Design, Brand and HOT. 

• Global product supply base. 

• Marketing, brand and finance. 

What skills and experience will you have? 

• Good analytical skills. 

• Creativity. 

• The ability to recognise future trends. 

• Excellent commercial awareness. 

• Communication skills. 

• Confidence and presentation skills. 

• Ability to make decisions under pressure. 

• Negotiation skills. 

Our promise to you: 

We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

What happens when you apply to a role at N Brown? 

As soon as we receive your application, we’ll send you an email to let you know. We always aim to come back to you as soon as possible with an update and we really appreciate you taking the time to apply for a role with us. Good luck!