Buying Manager - Lingerie

V&C Associates has been exclusively retained to recruit a Buying Manager across Lingerie, a newly created role within a progressive, vertically integrated Middle Eastern brand. Lingerie accounts for more than 60% of the business, spanning core and fashion underwear, making this a pivotal commercial leadership position.This is a new management role. The successful candidate will build and lead a buying team of at least four, taking full ownership of the lingerie category from range strategy and supplier management through to goods arriving at the distribution centre.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory & Commercial LeadershipBuy to agreed budgets and OTB (open-to-buy) levels, achieving or exceeding margin targets.Drive category growth through strong range architecture, product selection and pricing.Carry out ongoing sales analysis, evaluating trends and product life cycles, and make clear, data-led recommendations to the Buying & Innovation Director.Maintain a sharp awareness of the market and competitors, bench marking value, price and product.Supplier Management & SourcingManage and regularly evaluate the supplier base, currently in Bangladesh and China.Drive continuous improvement in supplier processes, delivery, quality, flexibility and innovationOwn robust critical paths, working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure on-time seasonal launches.Take accountability, with the buying team, for product through to delivery at the DC.Build, lead and develop a buying team of a minimum of four.Foster a high-performing, collaborative culture within a multicultural environment.Key Performance IndicatorsCategory growth: Deliver agreed growth through range architecture, product selection, pricing and product performance.Margin: Achieve target margin through effective sourcing, pricing, product mix and commercial decision-making.Innovation: Deliver measurable growth from new products, materials, concepts and category opportunities.Supplier performance: Improve delivery, lead times, flexibility, quality and innovation against agreed supplier KPIs.Cross-functional delivery: Ensure category initiatives and seasonal milestones land on time through effective collaboration with Design, Planning, Technical, Marketing, VM and E-commerce.Candidate ProfileA minimum of 10 years' experience in Buying and/or Product Development, currently at Senior Buyer level or above, gained with lingerie retailers or brands.Proven track record in lingerie buying and product development, with a genuine passion for product.Demonstrable people management experience.Excellent analytical skills and confidence working with complex data.Strong communication and presentation skills.Experience using AI tools within buying, planning or analysis.Experience working with suppliers in Bangladesh and/or China.How to ApplyThis role is being handled exclusively by V&C Associates. For a confidential conversation, please contact the team at vandc.uk.