Job Specifications
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY - BUYING DIRECTOR EUROPE (LEADING HEALTH & BEAUTY RETAILER)
Job Title: Buying Director, Europe
Reporting To: Director - Western Europe
Location: Slough or Weybridge
Salary: PS100,000-PS120,000 (depending on experience)
Package: Car Allowance, Private Medical, Pension, Holiday Allowance, Product Discounts, Onsite Parking
Type: Full Time, Permanent (Hybrid: 3 office / 2 home)
Overview
We are seeking an ambitious and commercially astute Buying Director to lead and evolve our health & beauty buying strategy across Europe. With a remit spanning multiple international markets, this high-profile role offers the opportunity to shape the product vision, drive category growth, and strengthen supplier partnerships at scale.
As a key member of the leadership team, you'll be responsible for creating a forward-thinking, trend-led product offering across own-label, branded, and exclusive ranges - ensuring we remain competitive and relevant in an ever-changing global retail environment.
Key Responsibilities
Set and deliver the long-term European buying strategy across health, beauty, wellness, and personal care, in line with business growth objectives.
Inspire, coach, and lead a high-performing buying team, fostering a culture of innovation, agility, and accountability.
Develop differentiated category plans using insights, data, and European market trends to drive sales and margin growth.
Own supplier relationships and sourcing strategies, building international partnerships that unlock exclusivity, innovation, and scale.
Define promotional and pricing strategies that balance short-term trading success with sustainable long-term value.
Partner closely with marketing, supply chain, digital, and finance to deliver seamless execution across all European channels.
Influence at board level, providing commercial leadership and input into transformation and expansion initiatives.
Be the customer champion, ensuring product ranges are trend-led, relevant, and aligned with evolving consumer needs across European markets.
Required experience and background
Proven leadership in a senior buying or trading role - ideally within Health, Beauty, FMCG or Retail
Strategic mindset with the ability to balance vision with delivery, long-term growth with short-term results
Strong supplier relationship and negotiation expertise, with experience driving large-scale joint business plans
A track record of leading, developing and inspiring buying teams across multiple categories
Highly analytical and confident using data to inform decisions and shape strategy
Strong understanding of customer behaviour, category drivers and the competitive retail landscape
A collaborative, influential leader, comfortable operating at senior executive level
This is a rare chance to shape the future of health and beauty retail during an exciting period of momentum and innovation. If you're a strategic, commercially-minded leader ready to make a big impact - we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or reach out directly: tom.richards@harbourneassociates.com
About the Company
Harbourne Associates focus their attention on the Sales, eCommerce, Marketing and Management sectors. They work with a large number of key industries, including FMCG, retail HQ, premium/luxury brands, pharma, foodservice, drinks, high-end fashion, hair and beauty, drinks, construction and engineering. Already partnering many global leading organisations, we want to be the preferred supplier for advice and support.. Our consultants really understand the business drivers of our clients and tailor the selection process to ensur...
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