Senior Buyer - Toys

Home Bargains; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave, increasing to 33

Contributable company pension scheme

10% store discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Health cash plans

Job summary

A UK retail company based in Liverpool seeks an experienced Senior Buyer for its Toys Category team. The role involves developing and delivering product ranges, negotiating with suppliers, and managing the end-to-end product development cycle. A successful candidate will have extensive experience in FMCG retail buying, strong negotiation skills, and a relevant qualification. This position supports cross-functional collaborations and requires a proactive approach to driving results.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in retail buying and merchandising within FMCG.
• Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage supplier performance and develop team talent.
• Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop product ranges from concept to launch.
• Negotiate with suppliers for best prices and products.
• Manage product development cycle and supplier KPIs.
• Create and implement promotions and merchandising guides.
• Analyze sales data and market trends for range development.
• Create and implement in-store and online promotions and visual merchandising guides.
• Keep up with competitor activity and market research to inform buying decisions.
• Collaborate with Logistics, Retail Operations, Product Safety, Graphics and Finance.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Commercial mindset

Customer focus

Organizational skills

Ability to influence

Education

Recognized qualification in retail buying or merchandising

Job description

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• Based in Liverpool Head Office, with the occasional requirement to visit stores, trade fairs and suppliers
• 37.50 hours per week

Employee Benefits

• Full-time employees receive 28 days of annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing to 33 days after 5 years of service. Annual leave is pro‑rated for part‑time or alternative working arrangements.
• Contributable company pension scheme
• 10% store discount at all our retail stores

MyHB colleague benefits platform

• Discounts UK wide on retail, leisure, hospitality venues
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential counselling and advice line
• Low-cost voluntary insured health cash plans and cancer cover

Job Introduction

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to join our Toys Category team. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded individual to take ownership of their ranges, making sure our products offer great value, choice, and availability for our customers. You’ll play a key role in shaping ranges that reflect sales performance, market trends, and customer needs, while ensuring product quality, compliance, and price meet our high standards.

As a Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for developing and delivering product ranges – including licensed and seasonal lines – from concept through to launch. You’ll source, review, and negotiate with suppliers to secure the best products at the right price, while driving innovation and promotional opportunities.

This role reports into a Category Manager and supports the overall delivery of the category plan, while taking day-to-day responsibility for supplier management, category performance, and resolving operational challenges.

Job Overview

• Developing ranges based on customer insight, sales data, and market trends.
• Carrying out supplier reviews, negotiating new opportunities, and introducing fresh promotional ideas.
• Managing the end-to-end product development cycle – from sample reviews through to store placement.
• Setting objectives, coaching, and supporting the development of a trainee or junior buyer.
• Managing supplier performance against agreed KPIs and ensuring stock availability through accurate forecasting.
• Creating and implementing in-store and online promotions, including visual merchandising guides.
• Keeping up to date with competitor activity, attending trade shows, and using market research to inform buying decisions.
• Working closely with cross-functional teams including Logistics, Retail Operations, Product Safety, Graphics, and Finance.
• Extensive experience in retail buying and merchandising within an FMCG retail environment.
• A recognised qualification in retail buying and/or general merchandising, degree equivalent, or significant relevant experience.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence and build relationships.
• A proven commercial mindset and strong customer focus.
• Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams.
• The ability to drive continuous improvement, manage supplier performance, and develop talent within your team.
• A proactive, results-driven approach with excellent organisational skills.