Buyer, Gift, Home + Lifestyle

• £50,000–£55,000
• London

A well-established consumer products brand with a broad gifting, home and lifestyle portfolio is looking for a commercially minded Buyer to join their team. With a diverse global supplier base and a strong presence across international markets, this is a business that takes real pride in its products and its people. You’ll work directly with factories across Asia and beyond, supporting buying activity across the full product range and playing a key part in a fast-paced, product-led business.

Role Overview

This is a hands-on buying role working across the full product portfolio. You’ll be involved in sourcing, supplier management and commercial negotiations across multiple ranges, working closely with the wider product and commercial teams. You’ll be buying direct from factories, negotiating and taking real ownership of your supplier relationships and results.

About You

You’re an experienced buyer with a background in gift, homeware, lifestyle or a related consumer product sector, and you’ve bought direct from factories rather than through brands or agents. You’ve travelled to Asia for buying trips, you understand the dynamics of working with overseas manufacturers, and you’re confident negotiating on costs and commercial terms. You’re adaptable, organised and comfortable working across a varied product mix.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Source products directly from factories across Asia and other key manufacturing regions
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with existing suppliers while proactively identifying new factory partners
• Travel to Asia for supplier visits, trade fairs and factory assessments as required
• Manage the end-to-end sourcing process across multiple product areas, from initial enquiry through to confirmed order
• Ensure suppliers can consistently meet quality, compliance and delivery requirements

Commercial & Product

• Own cost price negotiations across a broad range of products, driving best value without compromising on quality
• Monitor and manage margins across a diverse product mix, flagging risks and opportunities
• Work collaboratively with the product and commercial teams to support range building and product development
• Stay across market trends, competitor activity and new product opportunities relevant to the business
• Support the critical path process to ensure orders are placed and delivered on time

Quality, Compliance & Responsible Sourcing

• Ensure all products meet relevant quality and safety standards
• Work with suppliers to uphold ethical trading and responsible sourcing standards
• Support product testing and approval processes as required

Key Requirements

• Solid buying / purchasing experience within gift, homeware, lifestyle or a closely related consumer product environment
• Direct factory sourcing experience is essential — buying from manufacturers rather than brands or distributors
• Proven experience of travelling to Asia for buying trips and supplier visits
• Comfortable working across a varied, multi-product range rather than a single defined category
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering on cost
• Commercially sharp with a genuine feel for product
• Highly organised with the ability to juggle multiple suppliers, ranges and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach
• London-based with the flexibility to travel internationally as required

Diversity & Inclusion: ILMJ values diversity, equality and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and identities.