Buying Manager – Outdoor Living

A fast‑growing retail business is looking to appoint an experienced Buying Manager to take ownership of its Outdoor Living category. This is a high‑impact role covering end‑to‑end category management, including sourcing, supplier negotiations, product development, ranging, pricing, promotional planning and driving commercial performance.

About the role

You will lead the development of branded and own‑label ranges across Outdoor Living, ensuring strong value, quality and availability for customers. This will include Outdoor Lighting, Gardening, Artificial Plants and wider General Merchandise ranges. You’ll manage the full product lifecycle from concept through to store placement, working closely with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, innovation and promotional opportunities. You will be accountable for category sales, margin and stock availability, using data, market insight and competitor activity to shape and execute the category strategy. The role also involves managing supplier performance, resolving operational challenges, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams across logistics, retail operations, product safety, finance and design. There will be some travel required for supplier meetings, trade shows and store visits.

About the person

This role would suit an experienced retail or wholesale Buyer with strong General Merchandise expertise and proven success in Outdoor categories. Experience sourcing from the Far East is essential, along with a track record of developing commercially successful ranges.

You will be a confident negotiator with strong influencing skills, able to build effective relationships internally and externally. You’ll bring a customer‑focused mindset, commercial acumen, and the ability to manage supplier performance while driving continuous improvement. Experience coaching or developing junior team members would be advantageous.

What you’ll get in return

A competitive salary is available, dependent on experience. You’ll join a business with a collaborative, hands‑on culture where you can make a genuine impact and shape the future of the category. The role is predominantly site‑based, offering regular interaction with colleagues, suppliers and wider stakeholders.

What to do now

If you have the background and experience outlined above and are ready for a new challenge where you can make a meaningful difference, please apply with an up‑to‑date CV.