Toy Buyer vacancy, Part Time (Work From Home, South East England)

Toy Buyer vacancy, Part Time (Work From Home, South East England)

Toy Buyer (Part‑Time, Flexible) – Job Description

Location: Primarily Work From Home (with some in‑store visits)

Hours: Part‑time, flexible (3 days per week or reduced hours across 5 days)

Reports to: Managing Director

Works closely with: Merchandiser

Experience required: Minimum 5 years’ Toy Retail Buying experience (mandatory)

About the Role

We are a small but growing UK toy retail chain seeking an experienced Toy Buyer to take ownership of our product range selection, supplier relationships/management, and buying calendar. This role is ideal for someone who understands the Toy industry with a great eye for winning product, knows how to leverage relationships to secure supply on hot product lines, and can balance commercial judgement with operational discipline.

The role is primarily home‑based, with flexibility around hours of working. Some travel to stores will be required to review ranges, understand customer behaviour, and support store teams.

Key Responsibilities

Product Selection & Range Management

• Lead the selection, evaluation, and curation of toy ranges across all categories.

• Monitor trends, competitor activity, and seasonal opportunities to ensure a commercially strong assortment.

• Identify and secure high‑demand and “hot” product lines ahead of peak periods.

  
  

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and brand owners.

• Negotiate terms, pricing, lead times, and supply commitments.

• Ensure consistent availability of key lines and manage any supply‑chain risks.

  
  

Buying Calendar & Planning

• Own and manage the full buying calendar, including seasonal planning, range reviews, and critical path milestones.

• Work closely with the Managing Director and Merchandiser to align buying decisions with sales targets, stock budgets, and store needs.

  
  

Market & Demographic Research

• Conduct demographic and local‑market research to support new store openings and range localisation.

• Provide insights on customer profiles, regional preferences, and emerging trends.

  
  

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the Merchandiser on forecasting, stock levels, and replenishment.

• Work with store teams to understand customer feedback and product performance.

• Support marketing with product insights for promotions and campaigns.

  
  

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Toy Buyer within retail, distribution, or a related toy industry role.

• Strong negotiation skills and established supplier relationships.

• Proven ability to manage buying cycles, critical paths, and seasonal planning.

• Commercial awareness and understanding of toy trends, licensing, and brand dynamics.

• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and make confident buying decisions.

• Comfortable working remotely with occasional travel to stores.

  
  

Desirable Skills

• Experience in a small or fast‑growing retail environment.

• Knowledge of licensing, brand partnerships, or exclusive product development.

• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with sales/stock reporting tools.

Package

·       C. £45-50k pro rata for 3 days pw i.e. £27k-30k, with some flexibility for the right candidate with strong experience.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

APPLY FOR THIS ROLE (If you have the relevant experience)

Please get in touch via the 'Contact' page, or contact Steve Reece direct via Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-reece-a045562/