Head Of Buying

This is an excellent career opportunity to join Douglas & Grahame where you will manage the product strategy from design, sourcing, production and performance management for some of their key brands (Douglas, Drifter and Douglas Grahame).  With the company’s long-established strength and success rooted in an unmatched commitment to product quality and exceptional customer service across all channels, Douglas & Grahame’s future vision is now focussed on ‘connected retail’, and the creation of a seamless experience for customers engaging with each of its brands across all offline and online touch points. Leveraging new technologies to bring leading-edge digital environments to the shop floor, enhancing customer experience and customer service in the fulfilment of an omni-channel sales strategy. We’re looking for a driven and experienced senior buying professional to join our senior leadership team in the role of Head of Buying. As the Head of Buying you will be responsible to lead the development and delivery of the product and buying strategy for several of the organisation’s brands and be accountable for the achievement of revenue and margin objectives. You will maintain a deep understanding of the marketplace and competitive landscape, as well as an awareness of key commercial data, and of retail and consumer trends, to inform the continual evolution of the product strategy. You will ensure the delivery of the strategy with and through a team including senior buyers, buyers, designers, and production planners, directing the development of commercial collections each season, aligned to the strategy and brand DNA. You will direct the sourcing strategy, ensuring the suitability of the supply chain in respect of all commercial requirements, and oversee the seasonal buying & production programming with the buying team to ensure all order fulfilment requirements are achieved. You will lead, manage and motivate your team of direct reports, ensuring each is facilitated to fulfil their responsibilities, and continually develop their capabilities. Setting a clear direction, ensuring alignment across the team, providing the individual support needed, and empowering all in the team to work to the best of their abilities. Skills and Experience Experience working in leadership positions within the fashion industry [Menswear strongly preferred]. Strong demonstrable buying experience. Excellent commercial & analytical skills with strong understanding of commercial buying KPI's & metrics. Exceptional track record of successfully leading teams. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Ability to communicate and align team to strategy and vision. Ability to work and thrive in a passionate, energetic and performance-driven environment. Educated to degree level