Head of Buying

River Island; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading fashion retailer as the Head of Buying, where you will shape product strategy and drive commercial success. Collaborate with teams to deliver quality products that align with the brand vision while fostering an inclusive and innovative environment. Enjoy competitive perks and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

50% staff discount

Onsite gym

Flexible working

Performance bonus scheme

Contributory private pension scheme

Healthcare options through AXA

25 days paid holiday

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head of Buying or senior Buying Manager.
• Experience in an omni-channel retail environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver sales and margin targets.
• Manage mid-term opportunities to boost sales and margins.
• Champion sustainability initiatives within the division.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Decision-Making

Negotiation

Problem-Solving

Communication

Job description

Department: Womenswear

Location: Head Office, Chelsea House

Description

We’re a much-loved brand with an exciting future. Our Islanders are a diverse group of bright, talented people who love working together and are proud of their work. Progression can take you in many directions here.

This is what a career at River Island is like. And this is where yours starts.

What We Are Looking For...

Job Purpose:

The Buying team at River Island plays a key role in realizing the commercial opportunities created by our unique designs across all channels. This is achieved through effective range planning, understanding key commercial data and customer trends, maintaining excellent supplier relations and internal networks, and executing the Buying Strategy to deliver sales and profit plans.

The Head of Buying shapes the Product Strategy for a division or significant area within a larger division, collaborating with the Buying Managers, and contributes to the wider divisional Product strategy alongside the Buying Director and Merchandising teams. They are responsible for ensuring strategy implementation, delivery, and supporting the overall divisional goals. They create a compelling product vision, maximize brand success through cross-functional collaboration, and lead, train, and develop Buying Managers and their teams to achieve excellent results.

Key Accountabilities:

• Deliver short, mid, and long-term financial plans, including sales and margin targets.
• Use commercial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset to identify risks and opportunities, creating strategic plans for their areas.
• Manage mid-term opportunities to boost sales and margins, including influencing pricing strategies.
• Ensure product ranges align with brand vision, delivering quality and market relevance for each season.
• Assess supplier base risks and opportunities, maintaining strong relationships to support strategic goals.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure strategic alignment and create synergies.
• Work with Visual Merchandising to optimize store layouts and product presentation.
• Champion sustainability initiatives within the division, integrating sustainable practices into fabrication and production.
• Cascade strategic plans through teams, keeping everyone engaged and aligned.
• Build team capacity and capabilities, fostering an entrepreneurial and agile working environment.
• Lead change programs, encouraging innovation and engagement.
• Develop internal talent and external pipelines to ensure team capacity.
• Promote a culture of wellbeing and inclusion through open communication and action.

Key experience required:

• Experience as a Head of Buying or a senior Buying Manager.
• Experience in an omni-channel retail environment is highly desirable.
• Proven success in accelerating speed to market and developing margin-rich strategies.
• Track record of exceeding sales and margin targets.
• Experience in strategic development and implementation.
• Strong internal and external networks to drive results.
• Leadership skills in driving team performance and engagement.

Job role competencies:

• Excellent commercial, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and numerical reasoning abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Decisiveness and problem-solving skills.
• Change management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to present convincingly to senior audiences.
• Curiosity and a desire for continuous development.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Strong networking and collaboration skills.
• Effective communication and team alignment capabilities.
• Resilience and adaptability to change.
• People management, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Innovative and forward-thinking mindset.
• Passion for product, the River Island brand, and customer focus.

This Is For You...

• 50% staff discount and onsite staff shop.
• RI Rewards for discounts, benefits, and wellbeing solutions.
• Onsite gym, subsidized restaurant, social events, and support through Retail Trust.
• Flexible working, early finishes on Fridays, and Summer Fridays.
• Family support including enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and fertility benefits.
• Giver Island scheme, annual giving day, and matched funding.
• On-the-job training and qualifications.
• Contributory private pension scheme.
• Performance bonus scheme.
• Healthcare options through AXA.
• Car allowance and free onsite parking.
• 25 days paid holiday, with options to purchase additional days.

We mentioned the discount, right?

Keeping You Safe...

River Island is committed to safeguarding all employees and promoting British Values such as democracy, rule of law, liberty, and mutual respect. For more information, visit www.gov.uk

Every Islander Counts

Our diverse community values inclusion and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and consider flexible working requests unless operational needs prevent this.