SUMMERILL & BISHOP LIMITED
Buyer/Merchandiser - Maternity Cover
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Buyer/Merchandiser: Maternity Cover — Fixed-Term Contract
Contract type
Full - Time Fixed-term (maternity cover) — up to 12 months, or until the substantive post-holder returns from maternity leave, whichever is sooner
Location
London (Head Office/Showroom), with UK and international travel for trade fairs and supplier visits. Office based five days per week.
Reports to
Operations Director
Salary
Competitive, dependent on experience
Start date
Early September, to allow for handover with the permanent role-holder.
About Us
Summerill and Bishop isn't your usual homewares brand. Founded by two great friends with a truly effortless and unique sense of style, we sell the most beautiful table linen, tableware and accessories, perfect for any occasion. We believe the table is the heart of the home — the place where families share the day-to-day, where big decisions and announcements are made, and where those most important to you gather for meals and celebrations.
About the Role
This is a full-time maternity cover position for a Buyer/Merchandiser to join our growing luxury homewares business for a fixed term of up to 12 months, or until the substantive postholder returns from maternity leave, whichever occurs first. If you would like to be part of this passionate 'family', to be involved in design and product selection, bring ideas to life, be creative and make your mark — this is the perfect opportunity for you. As our Buyer/Merchandiser you will take on a broad role, working directly with the Operations Director, to fully manage all aspects of the buying process for our stores, our website and our wholesale partnerships. We are a small team, so we need someone who loves being hands-on, thrives on variety, and has a positive can-do attitude. A thorough handover with the substantive postholder will be provided ahead of their leave, and ongoing contact will be maintained where appropriate to ensure a smooth transition back at the end of the contract.
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Key Responsibilities
- Work with the management team to support buying budgets, seasonal plans and buying strategy.
- Manage buying budgets and monitor spend throughout the year.
- Plan product ranges across continuity lines and new product development.
- Buy merchandise by meeting suppliers, negotiating prices and terms, placing purchase orders and managing delivery schedules.
- Upload and maintain accurate product and SKU information within Brightpearl.
- Monitor sales, stock levels and product performance, making recommendations for repeat buys, markdowns and exit lines.
- Produce regular reports on sell-through, stock performance, margin and inventory to support commercial decision-making.
- Manage inventory levels and forecast future stock requirements to balance availability with stock investment.
- Liaise with suppliers to manage production, deliveries and resolve supply issues.
- Work closely with Retail, Ecommerce, Marketing and Operations to ensure successful product launches and availability.
- Conduct market research, competitor analysis and identify opportunities for new products and suppliers.
- Present product performance and commercial recommendations to the management team.
- Maintain clear documentation and handover notes throughout the maternity cover.
Key Skills & Experience
- Passion for the brand and for luxury homewares
- Experience in a Buyer or Merchandiser role, ideally within luxury homewares, lifestyle or a comparable premium retail sector
- High level of financial literacy, with a track record of managing budgets
- Strong analytical capability and experience
- Product development experience
- Strong attention to detail and track record to managing stock systems
- Ability to use planning software and Excel, with a high level of overall computer literacy
- Great teamworking skills
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Ability to cope with, and thrive under, pressure
- Ability to multi-task in a busy office environment
- A love of sourcing the new
- Right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract
- Willingness and ability to travel in the UK and overseas, including occasional travel outside standard hours around trade fairs
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What We Offer
- The opportunity to play a hands-on, high-impact role at the heart of a well-loved luxury brand
- Generous staff discount on our beautiful product range
- A close-knit, supportive and creative team environment
- Exposure to international trade fairs, supplier networks and new product development
- Pension scheme
- 28 days' annual leave (pro-rated for the length of the contract, inclusive of bank holidays)
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV along with a short covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you'd be a great fit for this maternity cover role. We review applications on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
Equal Opportunities
Summerill and Bishop is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
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