Head of Buying 

A successful European retailer is seeking a Head of Buying to manage the entire buying portfolio of one of their brands. The role is based in Beijing.

Head of Buying 

A successful European retailer is seeking a Head of Buying to manage the entire buying portfolio of one of their brands. The role is based in Beijing.

Head of Buying - The Role:

• To develop and deliver a Buying strategy for the brand;
• Responsibility for identifying and setting a standard of excellence and best practice for buyers to strive for;
• Collection planning for each season in collaboration with Product/Creative 
• Responsibility for ensuring that the product reflects the brand strategy and that the range development is without gaps or duplication
• Responsibility for developing and maintaining an in-depth, customer focused knowledge of varying markets and trends;
• Establishes key relationship with Design and QA, in order to actively develop brand "handwriting" and communicate key product direction and trends;
• Ensures that the correct level of newness/fashionability is present, and that volume lines are maximised and "moved on" at the appropriate time;
• Develop and execute a competitive production strategy
• Develop supplier base with the Sourcing team
• Responsible for order placement with suppliers including negotiating prices, deliveries and ensuring quality
• Drive product development and design to ensure freshness and bring to market latest developments and techniques
• Reacts to trade on an on-going basis to maximise sales and limit risk to the business;

Head of Buying: The Candidate: 

• Strong experience as a Head of Buying/Sourcing with a UK/European retailer
• The ideal candidate needs to already be operating at management level and have a strong career in buying across multiple product categories 
• Will have experience in sourcing, working with factories in China
• Will have some production management experience 
• Critical path management and margin optimisation
• Knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing methods
• Negotiation/influencing skills
• Experience in budget & project management
• Effective people management, team building and strong communication skills
• Confident presentations skills with excellent attention to detail 

What is on offer:

A competitive expat package including accommodation, healthcare, flight tickets home etc.

Location: The role is based in Beijing, China

Please apply in confidence.