Head of Buying - Home, Anthroliving

About Us

Founded in 1992, Pennsylvania, USA, by current URBN chairman and president Dick Hayne, Anthropologie was named after his college major (with a decidedly French twist) Anthropologie, which now operates over 200 stores worldwide, has evolved into a leading one-of-a-kind destination for those seeking a curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor to reflect their personal style. In 2009 the brand launched its first store in London and now has over 18 stores in the UK and Europe. 

Role Summary

This role is like no other! Creativity sits at the heart of everything we do. Sourcing from around the world through many avenues, to find the most unique and inspiring product. This is a job that will inspire the entrepreneur in you. We look for creative people who are self-starters and can make good decisions at pace.

What You'll Be Doing

• This person will demonstrate a fresh perspective and a market leading point of view to oversee the curation of the homeware edit for our European multichannel business.
• You will work with the Director to implement and deliver the creative and commercial strategy to maximise sales and hit profit targets.
• You should be able to effectively communicate the business to the Senior Leadership Team including the European Managing Director and Global CEO and deputize in the absence of the Buying Director.
• Demonstrate a strong omni approach. Collaborate across all functions to build relationships and ensure the best delivery of ‘concept to customer’ across all platforms.
• Identify areas of growth and decline within each division. Managing the team to deliver on this.
• Review and implement where necessary, a divisional critical path. Taking into consideration the multi product lead times and various sourcing avenues.
• Focusing on furniture, lighting, decorative accessories, textiles and gift and entertaining.
• Taking full ownership of these areas, oversee curation of product from own brand collections and market partners. Signing off with the team in line with departmental and company strategy.
• Driving trade on a daily and weekly basis, chasing into strong reactions and relentlessly seeding new ideas.
• Working closely with the US Buying Team to align where necessary on global strategies.
• Identify gaps in the US collection and strategise with the team to source product that will compliment the US collections but also cater to local customer and market trends. Ensuring that this all delivers on margin targets.
• Manage a team of 12 people including a Buying Manager.
• Provide commercial and creative direction to the AnthroLiving Buying team.
• Lead, manage, coach and develop the AnthroLiving team.
• Represent the brand with integrity and authority at all times, being a true brand ambassador for the AnthroLiving business.
• Frequent travel to Europe and USA.

What You'll Need

• In depth knowledge of the home & gifting market and strong point of view on current and upcoming trends. Keeping up to date with competition.
• Clear communicator with the ability to present and support a point of view.
• Strong product development and financial management skills
• Excellent team leadership skills and management
• Great communicator at all levels
• Approachable and adaptable to change
• Self-motivated
• Creative yet commercial eye

The Perks

• Work-life balance: Flexible start and finish times, bring your dog to work.
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Program, free gym, private medical insurance.
• Employee Discount: Up to 40% off at all URBN Brands.
• Community: One paid day to volunteer or fundraise for a charity.
• Travel: Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan.
• Continued Development: Structured support and ongoing learning opportunities.

#AnthroEU

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Equal Opportunity Statement

URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.