Senior Buyer
(Ryman Own Brand & Ryman Design)
Based in our London Graphic Centre Office, Covent Garden with regular travel to Crewe Ryman Retail Support Centre
WHAT WILL THIS ROLE INVOLVE?
We are seeking a visionary Senior Buyer to lead the development of Ryman’s own-brand fashion stationery and Ryman Design product , blending high-level creativity with rigorous commercial expertise. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in the fashion stationery sector, demonstrating an innate ability to translate global trends into compelling, commercially viable product ranges. Central to this role is an extensive background in Far East sourcing; you must be adept at managing end-to-end supply chains, from identifying innovative factories and negotiating complex terms to ensuring stringent quality control and ethical compliance. By leveraging your deep understanding of materials, print processes, and manufacturing timelines, you will play a pivotal role in evolving the Ryman and Ryman Design brand identity, delivering exclusive, design-led collections that captivate our customers and drive significant category growth.
WHAT WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?
Responsible for a specific set of categories across all business channels, including retail stores & online
Deliver sales, margin, stock and supplier terms budgets within your categories across all business channels
Develop the buying strategy, in conjunction with the Trading Director, both long term and short term, for these categories
Provide weekly category analysis and propose actions to impact commercial performance
To negotiate supplier terms and conditions, supplier retrospective and ad hoc monies in order to achieve budgeted targets
Have a strong awareness of competitor activity and react accordingly to maintain a competitive commercial edge
Review and analyse operational and financial reports to measure productivity and identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvements within your categories.
Continually look for new product opportunities to improve the offering to customers, both from stocked ranges and dropship opportunities, challenging the status quo to ensure business growth
Work collaboratively with the Stores, Marketing and Ecom team to deliver strong and effective promotions
Manage and improve the supply chain within these categories to maximise profit and sales performance, ensuring that targeted levels of availability are maintained
Visit relevant trade shows, exhibitions and suppliers, representing Ryman.
Regular travel to our Crewe office will be required
WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE IN YOU?
Significant experience within a buying function
Extensive background in Far East sourcing
Have a proven track record of delivering to a sales, margin and stock budget
Ability to develop a category plan, across both store & ecommerce ranges
Management of the department’s stock budget, understanding how to forecast sales and intake accurately
Building relationships with current and new suppliers, turning transactional relationships into partnerships, but able to also challenge where needed
Working with & challenging internal stakeholders to achieve the set KPIs
Continuous critique and improvement of how we operate to drive efficiency in process & make sure output is always keeping the customer in mind first
Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex information and deliver effectively across all levels of a business
Strong attention to detail, sense of urgency and adaptability under pressure
Positive mind set and can-do attitude; Reactive and customer-focussed, with finger on the pulse of current trends
Ability to work independently, or as part of a group, to prioritise multiple concurrent projects, and meet deadlines with a high level of personal organisation
An understanding of the life cycle of a product in a seasonally reactive business.
A proven understanding of Far East Sourcing (FOB), Manufacturing and QA/C - beneficial but not essential
Sound numeracy and analytical skills, understanding trends in sales and summarising reporting appropriately to higher levels
WHAT WILL WE OFFER YOU?
A passionate, dynamic team where your growth, ideas, and impact matter
A competitive pay package
Company pension scheme with the option to enhance
Generous holiday allowance including an extra wellbeing day that gives you time to recharge
Training programme to help you excel in your role
Opportunities through our apprenticeship programs to keep building on your skills
Access to mental health first aiders, wellness sessions, and support groups
Exclusive discounts across all of our brands and through our benefits hub
Cycle2Work scheme
Long service and recognition awards
Colleague referral scheme
Company and team social events
Free on-site parking
Subsidised canteen
WHO ARE WE?
Founded by Henry J Ryman in 1893, Ryman has been the go-to destination for stationery, office supplies, printing, technology, and more for over 130 years. We are part of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group, which also includes Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue, and London Graphic Centre.
From our very first store on Great Portland Street, we have grown to over 200 locations and a thriving website and app offering quality products and exceptional service. We believe in supporting our colleagues and equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to grow, thrive, and have fun whilst doing it.
At Ryman, all of our teams from our stores to our warehouse and Retail Support Centre are passionate about retail. We put our customers first and have a common goal to keep them at the heart of everything we do. We are energetic and enthusiastic, delivering results through resilience, innovation, and adaptability. If you are a team player who’s ready to make an impact, this could be the perfect role for you.
Ryman is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce and follow the guidelines of the Equality Act. Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate differences, encourage everyone to join us, and be themselves at work.
PLEASE NOTE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT OTHER DUTIES AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.