Lead Buyer

TL;DR

Lead Buyer (Homewares): Developing and delivering commercially successful product ranges for furniture and homewares sub-categories with an accent on assortment planning, supplier partnerships, and end-to-end product development. Focus on negotiating commercial terms, managing critical paths from concept to launch, and achieving margin targets while aligning with brand DNA.

Location: Hybrid at The Engine Room, London, UK

Company

Leading premium furniture and homeware brand in the UK, founded in 2008 with 12 stores and ambitious growth plans.

What you will do

• Support Category Lead in delivering product proposition, assortment plans, and roadmaps.
• Own product areas, managing new developments and continuity lines with market analysis.
• Develop range plans ensuring price architecture, margins, and alignment with brand positioning.
• Lead product development from concept to launch, negotiating costs, MOQs, and lead times.
• Manage supplier relationships, KPIs, critical paths, and cross-functional collaboration with Demand Planning, Marketing, and operations.
• Analyze sales, feedback, and competitors to inform trading decisions and identify risks/opportunities.

Requirements

• Previous experience in Buyer or Senior Buyer role in retail (ideally high-end brand-led)
• Experience managing suppliers, negotiating terms, and delivering sales/margin targets.
• Experience with product development cycles and critical paths from concept to launch.
• Strong commercial acumen, data interpretation, creative vision, negotiation, and organization skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and Google Suite; clear cross-functional communicator.

Culture & Benefits

• 25 days holiday increasing by 1 day/year for 3 years, plus 8 bank holidays.
• Enhanced family leave, healthcare cash plan, EAP programme, staff discounts, shopping perks.
• Cycle to work scheme, half-day Christmas shopping, life assurance (4x salary).
• Forward-thinking, inclusive, customer-focused culture with collaborative team environment.