Head of Buying

Since our launch in 1996, Whistlefish has become a leading art and greetings card retailer in the South West. We sell a wide selection of cards, wrapping paper, art prints, canvas art and gifts direct to customers through a network of 12 galleries and a burgeoning online presence.

We have ambitious growth plans for the year ahead and are now on the lookout for a creative, energetic and highly organised individual to join our team as Head Of Buying for Art and Gifts.

The buyer is responsible for securing top line sales and product margin in line with the total company plan for all channels globally. The role informs and supports the merchandising and brand vision with a range architecture; buying planning and newness proposal, driven by historical category and consumer trends and competitive patterns. With oversight of financial targets, the role has accountability for product planning & forecasting, global pricing and delivering on sales, gross margin, and inventory turn. Ultimately, the role serves to inspire and address customer missions with the right product design and price, and with the right presentation that evokes the strategic and creative vision of the brand.

**Responsibilities**:

- Source unique products for our expanding gift range
- Find creative solutions to better our current offering
- Negotiate quotes and set pricing to ensure target profit margins are met
- Seek out new suppliers for existing products where required
- Manage the relationships with factories
- Order stock and track stock levels to ensure efficient sell thru
- Plan the purchase calendar for the year to ensure stock is dropped for key events
- Work directly with the Managing Director to create exciting new projects
- Using a keen understanding of the art and gifts industry to know which suppliers are key to our business, growth and keeping strong relationships with
- Working to deadlines, linking in well with other members of the team
- Keeps all inventory up to date and process orders in a timely manner

Key Skills:

- Highly organised
- Self motivated
- Great negotiation
- High attention to detail
- Excellent communicator
- Enthusiastic
- Creative
- Works well under pressure
- Able to multitask

**Salary**: From £35,000.00 per year

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Redruth: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Experience**:

- Procurement: 1 year (preferred)
- Purchasing: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: One location

Reference ID: Creative Buyer