Buying Manager- Beauty

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Buying Manager to lead their Beauty division. This pivotal role involves driving the creative and commercial direction by sourcing new brands, negotiating favorable terms, and enhancing the product offering. You will collaborate cross-functionally, ensuring optimal performance and profitability while fostering a high-performing team. If you have a passion for beauty and a strategic mindset, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment that thrives on innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• Experienced Buyer level or above in premium or luxury retail.
• Proven track record of sales growth and margin improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement creative strategies for the Beauty division.
• Negotiate commercial terms and secure exclusive brand launches.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Negotiation Skills

Leadership

Market Awareness

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Skills

Commercial Acumen

Creativity

Education

Experience in Retail Buying

Knowledge of Beauty Industry

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

As our Buying Manager, you will support the Director of Beauty Buying to manage our Beauty division. You’ll be instrumental in driving the creative and commercial direction of the category – sourcing new brands and products, negotiating the best terms for Selfridges, and ensuring Selfridges remains at the forefront of the beauty industry. You will manage the performance of a defined buying area, leading a team and working cross-functionally to drive sales, optimise profitability, and enhance our unique product offer.

Responsibilities include:

1. Developing and implementing the creative strategy for the Beauty division in collaboration with the Director of Beauty Buying.
2. Sourcing new brands and products to maintain a market-leading position, leveraging your knowledge of the product and market.
3. Negotiating commercial terms with suppliers, including margins, trade discounts, and marketing support.
4. Securing exclusive brand launches with compelling, commercially-led propositions.
5. Driving sales and profitability through sound commercial decision-making.
6. Collaborating with the Merchandise team to plan and monitor the OTB, review in-season, and take necessary actions.
7. Leading range planning efforts in partnership with the Merchandiser Manager and Buyers.
8. Managing existing brand performance through analysis and making informed decisions regarding continuity, exit strategies, or further investment.
9. Overseeing concessions, analyzing performance, and making recommendations on continuation or discontinuation.
10. Ensuring effective communication with retail operations, especially regarding new season launches and support plans.
11. Working with Social Media, Marketing, PR, and Digital teams to support key brands and new product launches.
12. Collaborating with Property to implement new concepts that meet commercial and creative standards.
13. Partnering with Retail Management and VM to optimize product placement.
14. Overseeing the ordering process to ensure compliance and support for the admin team.
15. Leading, developing, and coaching your team, fostering training, succession planning, and effective communication.
16. Partnering with the legal team on contract negotiations and concession agreements.
17. Driving and presenting CAPEX initiatives in collaboration with the property team.
18. Supporting seasonal activities across the business.

Qualifications and skills:

1. Experienced Buyer level or above, preferably within a premium, luxury, or specialized retail environment.
2. Strategic thinker with a knack for identifying opportunities to differentiate and elevate the beauty offer.
3. Deep industry knowledge, with awareness of current and emerging trends globally and locally.
4. Proactive in discovering new brands and concepts, with a passion for innovation.
5. Commercially savvy, understanding profitability and performance drivers.
6. Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
7. Influential with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
8. Leadership qualities to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
9. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire cross-functional collaboration.
10. Passionate about delivering an exceptional customer experience.
11. Experience in developing long-term category strategies aligned with business goals.
12. Confident in analyzing data, market insights, and performance metrics.
13. Ability to work cross-functionally with marketing, visual merchandising, ecommerce, and supply chain teams.
14. Adaptable and agile in a fast-paced environment.
15. Proven track record of sales growth and margin improvement in a luxury setting.
16. Skilled in building strategic supplier relationships.
17. Creative, solution-oriented, and innovative thinking.
18. Highly organized with the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans.
19. Flexible and willing to take on new challenges.