Charlotte Blakeney found inspiration on a retreat in Bali when the story of a lotus flower sparked the innovation of Charlotte's first design, our lotus necklace. Since 2012, By Charlotte has become a well-admired brand with strong customer loyalty that has driven Brand success.
Our Brand is now blossoming and expanding into several new retail boutique locations as well as attracting an even stronger digital community. The Head of Merchandise will join the strategic leadership cohort and be crucial in ensuring that all product opportunities are maximised.
The role
As a key member of the Executive Leadership team the role involves overseeing merchandise planning, international buying of our exquisitely designed ranges, quality assurance, and ethical sourcing and production.
- In conjunction with the Design team, will develop and implement comprehensive merchandise strategies which are closely aligned with the company's overall business objectives, financial targets, and customer preferences.
- Conduct thorough analysis of market trends, historic sales performance, and customer behaviour to optimize product assortment and inventory level management.
- Source and negotiate with international suppliers, (primarily based in Thailand and China), to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and high-quality products.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with international suppliers, ensuring long-term partnerships and reliable supply chains.
- Ensure all products meet the company's quality standards and customer expectations by overseeing comprehensive quality control processes.
- Use data-driven insights to shape our future merchandise plans and decisions, making sure we've got the perfect mix of products and inventory.
- Conduct post-season analysis with Design and Buying team, to evaluate the effectiveness of buying decisions and refine future strategies accordingly.
- Stay updated on market conditions, raw material costs, and currency fluctuations to leverage the best deals.
- Continuously assess the supplier market and source new suppliers or products that align with the brands identity and evolving consumer demand.
- Oversee the production process ensuring efficiency, and compliance with specifications, timelines, and budgetary constraints are upheld.
Qualifications & Experience:
- minimum 8-10 years experience in planning, buying, or supply chain management within the fashion retail or accessories sectors.
- Proven experience in managing overseas suppliers, with a strong understanding of international trade and logistics.
- Strong negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to drive favourable outcomes with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Exceptional analytical skills, with a track record of using data to inform buying and merchandising decisions.
- Experience of quality assurance disciplines.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
We are passionate about providing equal opportunities in the workplace and are committed to creating and maintaining a culture of collaboration, respect and inclusivity. We endeavour to celebrate every meaningful milestone including this next chapter in your career journey.