If you are an innovative, curious professional with a passion for analysing, negotiating and making deals and if you take a genuine interest in how businesses should attune their offering to win consumers’ hearts and minds, Monocle has an opportunity for you.
What we are looking for
Monocle is on the hunt for a Buying and Production Manager who will be responsible for overseeing the entire product-creation life cycle of items ranging from clothing and accessories to homeware, stationery, luggage, beauty products and more. The ideal candidate will have:
• Relevant experience as a buyer and/or production manager in fashion, accessories or homewares who is looking to step up into their next role and take ownership of some of the fastest-moving categories in the market
• Proven experience within a supply-chain role, preferably in a high-end fashion or homeware environment
• A strong, proven commercial background and margin/profit focus
• An established network in the industry across categories and brands
• Excellent partnership and contract negotiation skills
About us
Monocle is a global affairs and lifestyle magazine, 24-hour radio station, website, retailer and media brand, produced by Winkreative Ltd. Monocle’s retail division employs an international team across shops in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Toronto, Merano, Zürich and London, as well as online. Our selection is focused on a curated range of brand collaborations and products from Japan, the US and Europe, including many limited-edition items. Monocle is currently expanding its own-label ranges while also solidifying long-standing partnerships. Our retail team markets products in close collaboration with our editorial content to bring these selections to life – both online and in our shops.
Key responsibilities
Reporting to Monocle’s Head of Retail, the Buying and Production Manager will manage and oversee all aspects of the buying and product-collaboration process, from ideation, creation and schedule planning to completion. Responsibilities will include (but not be limited to) the following:
• Managing all new retail buying and product development
• Working with the retail management team to set the annual launch roadmap in order to ensure an exciting and relevant mix of products every season and for all locations
• Executing strategic sourcing and selecting the correct channels and vendors
• Focusing on supply-chain management to ensure that we have the right product in the right place at the right time
• Creating a rota of new ideas for upcoming seasons
• Ensuring that a range of key spring/summer and autumn/winter products is achieved
• Driving own-label development in partnership with international agencies and suppliers
• Liaising with cross-business departments, such as e-commerce, retail operations, design and finance
• Overseeing artistic direction, including materials, overall appearance, finishing details and colour ways, with guidance from Monocle’s Founder, Creative Director and Head of Retail
• Checking the quality of final product samples
• Organising the photography and editorial teams to create assets that will promote finished products online and in print
• Coordinating with the logistics manager to arrange pickup of the final products from suppliers and delivery to Monocle’s central warehouse in Germany
This role will be based in either London (at Monocle’s HQ in Marylebone) or Lisbon and requires a willingness and ability to travel. To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to Monocle’s acting Head of Retail, Noah Deas, at nd@monocle.com.
