Watch & Jewellery Buyer

Job description

About Ralph Christian

Ralph Christian is a fast-growing direct-to-consumer watch and jewellery brand known for bold, statement designs. We sell globally and have built a loyal following for timepieces and jewellery designed to stand out.

The Role

We're looking for a Watch & Jewellery Buyer to lead our buying function.

This is a key role. You'll shape what we sell - not just execute a list someone else hands you. You'll identify trends before they're obvious, spot gaps in the range, develop entirely new product categories, and build the supplier network to bring them to life. You'll present your thinking, get a decision, and drive everything from sourcing through to stock landing.

If you want to own a buying function end-to-end at a fast-moving brand, this is for you.

What You'll Do

Strategic product development

• Identify emerging trends in watches, jewellery, and adjacent categories before they hit mainstream
• Run structured market research – what’s new in the market, where can we bring something of value in our own style.
• Spot gaps in our range and build the case for what should fill them
• Develop entirely new product categories from concept to commercial launch
• Own seasonal buying plans and build the range around key commercial moments in the year

Sourcing and supplier management

• Build and maintain a network of suppliers and manufacturers globally
• Source, sample, and specify new products against commercial targets (margin, price point, positioning)
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and payment terms
• Own supplier relationships - quality, consistency, and commercial performance

Pipeline execution

• Place and track purchase orders across our supply chain
• Drive the pipeline forward - sample requests, decisions, PO placement, delivery chasing.
• Coordinate inbound shipments with our warehouse partners
• Work with inventory planning tools to flag stockout risks and overstock issues
• Ensure stock lands in time for key sales periods and new-product launches
• Manage quality issues, returns, and credit notes

What We're Looking For

Must-Have:

• 3-5 years of buying experience in watches or jewellery - including Assistant Buyers ready to step up into full category ownership. Please do not apply if you do not have specific experience in one of the above two verticals; generic buying experience will not be considered.
• Demonstrable track record of picking winners - products or categories you've personally championed that moved the commercial needle
• Strong commercial instinct - you understand margin, price architecture, and how a range hangs together
• Experience developing new product categories, not just reordering existing lines
• Highly organised and self-directed - this role has no one chasing you
• Comfortable operating in a small, fast-moving business where you own the whole function rather than a slice of it
• Based within commuting distance of Potters Bar

Nice-to-Have:

• Background running a category at a smaller brand, or buying experience at a larger watch or jewellery retailer
• Familiarity with inventory planning and demand forecasting
• Strong aesthetic eye for bold, statement design

What You'll Get

• Full category ownership - the buying function is yours to run
• Direct commercial impact - your product choices will show up in revenue within weeks, not years
• A seat at the strategy table - you'll help shape where the brand goes next, not just what we order
• Fast-moving environment - small team, quick decisions, real accountability
• Growth potential - as the company grows, so does the remit

Salary & Benefits

• £48,000 - £55,000 depending on experience
• Office-based in Potters Bar, North London
• Pension and holiday entitlements

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Potters Bar

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

01-05-2026

Profession type

Retail

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English