Description

Browns Fashion
Disruptive, unexpected and revolutionary in our own way... Browns changed the course of retail and fashion history forever when it opened in 1970. Born in London but celebrated globally, we're the one-stop shop for the best luxury fashion including established designers and emerging talent; renowned for our influence in fashion and style, and our innovative approach to retail and high-level service. Powered by Farfetch, we continue to disrupt the retail landscape to deliver a global luxury shopping experience of the future, championing creativity and originality.
Buying Department
We are product people at heart. Tastemakers in the industry, we’re passionate about incubating the most exciting talent the fashion industry has to offer, combining the finest names in luxury with emerging talent. We collaborate with brands and designers from all corners of the globe, carefully curating product to bring our customers an edit with a point of view.
LocationOur London Head Office is based on Old Street, London’s tech hub, home to a broad range of teams including Ecommerce, Tech & Product, Brand Engagement, Buying, Merchandising and People. Our open plan space is ideal for collaborative working and sharing ideals, or you can enjoy some quiet time in our dedicated library. We also have a large outdoor terrace which is the perfect spot to have a team lunch or host events. We also have homes in the form of our retail boutiques, Browns Brook Street in Mayfair.
THE ROLE
We have a vacancy for an Interim Head of Buying (up to 1 year fixed term contract). Reporting to the Director of Browns, the Interim Head of Buying is responsible for leading the Browns buy team to implement and deliver the product and brand strategies set out by the current Senior Head of Buying this role is covering. The Interim Head of Buying will support the Director in leading the strategic and operational execution of product investment for all women’s, men’s and home categories ensuring the team drives in-season performance against financial targets.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Responsible for total Browns OTB (womenswear, menswear & home) and developing, implementing and delivering the buy strategy to maximise sales, profitability and sell through targets
Responsible for maintaining strong relationships with brands and negotiating terms to achieve margin, profitability and sell through targets
Present topline seasonal buy strategy to exec for sign off and lead the buy team to deliver the seasonal product strategy in line with Browns vision.
Ensure the buy team buys a commercially viable product range that reflects the brand image and incorporates current trends whilst delivering planned growth and profit targets.
Be passionate about the space where you’ll demonstrate exceptional awareness of competitors and external trends
Build, coach and develop a high performing diverse buy team
Work with the Head of Merchandising to plan the OTB and to monitor and review in season, taking action or making recommendations to the Director where necessary
Own supplier relationships, including building close relationships with counterparts as well as delivering business plans and strategic trading
Partner with the Head of Merchandising and the wider management team (covering Ecommerce, Retail, Operations, Finance, Press and Marketing) to ensure delivery of the annual budget and strategic objectives
Collaborate with key BF and FF stakeholders to drive performance, share best practice, scale and efficiency across Browns, Marketplace and Group
WHO YOU ARE
Open and able to take on a fixed term contract position, ideally able to start a new role end of July/ early August
Strong leader and role model and confident cross functional influencer
Ability to work with autonomy and at pace essential
Proven delivery of results through buying, negotiations, planning, trading, leadership within a multi brand and multi-channel environment
Strong analytical skills and financial acumen, operates with a clear command of the key financial drivers in a dynamic results-orientated environment
Proven management and leadership experience with strong decision making abilities and excellent communication skills
Skilled in analysing trading patterns, advising teams and ensuring appropriate action is taken.
Demonstrate experience of driving buying results in both bricks and mortar, ecommerce cross-functionally within a wider group
Current luxury experience at Buying Manager level essential, as well as experience of managing buyers of all levels
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT
BROWNS is an equal opportunities employer ensuring that all applicants are treated equally and fairly throughout our recruitment process. We are determined that no applicant experiences discrimination on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, age, gender identity, ancestry, sexual orientation, veteran status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We continue to build our consciously inclusive culture as part of our Positively FARFETCH strategy throughout our business, partnerships and communities.