Buyer

Overview

National Trust’re looking for an experienced Buyer to join National Trust's retail team to look after National Trust's property theme ranges. You will be responsible for planning and delivering the National Trust's product and supplier strategy, managing sales over £30m per year, a figure set to grow. This is a challenging and exciting role focused on prioritising National Trust's long-term commercial growth plans while ensuring National Trust's offers remain competitive and aligned with current market trends.

Contract Information

This is a fixed-term contract due to end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave. While National Trust cannot confirm the exact duration, it is unlikely to exceed 12 months.

Working Environment

There’s never been a more exciting time to be part of National Trust's multi-site retail business, which places people and places at the heart of its mission. The role offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to driving profitable and sustainable growth, enhancing visitor experiences at National Trust's sites.

Your contractual location will be National Trust's head office in Swindon, with an expectation to attend the office two days a week. You’ll be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week, which will be discussed in detail during the interview.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Growing the business commercially in new and innovative directions.
• Identifying and utilising new opportunities to meet budgets.
• Creating ranges that link to National Trust's cause and engage both the organisation and National Trust's supporters.
• Curating theme product ranges that enrich the visitor experience in retail environments.
• Managing multiple categories while demonstrating strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Building and maintaining excellent relationships with retail and area managers, as well as the buying, merchandising, sourcing, and visual merchandising teams.

Candidate Profile

National Trust would love to hear from you if you have:

• Knowledge of the UK retail market and worldwide supplier base for relevant product areas.
• An understanding of product design, development, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in Property theme range building and product management.
• Knowledge of buying planning systems.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Experience in analysing data to drive performance.
• Resilience and the ability to manage multiple deadlines under pressure.

Benefits

The National Trust prioritises an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong, reflecting the diversity of the communities National Trust serve. National Trust's benefits include:

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary.
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest, and your children (under 18).
• Rental deposit loan scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• EV car lease scheme.
• Discounts such as gym memberships, shopping codes, and cinema discounts.
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days, with a purchase scheme available.
• Flexible working arrangements when possible.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Free parking at most Trust locations.