Full job descriptionThe role
A central focus of the role will be developing The Vault: our strategic expansion into trading card singles, graded cards, older sealed products and other independently sourced collectables.
The objective is to build a significant part of the business that is less dependent on traditional distributor supply and allocations. This will involve finding new sources of stock, developing relationships with suppliers and traders, assessing purchasing opportunities and growing these categories across our website, eBay and other relevant marketplaces.
The successful candidate will also gradually take over commercial responsibilities currently handled by the owner, including purchasing, supplier management, pricing, stock planning and wider buying decisions.
We do not expect someone to assume responsibility for every area immediately. Responsibilities and purchasing authority will be transitioned over time as you develop an understanding of our products, suppliers, customers and operations.
Key responsibilities
*Identify and develop new sources of sealed products, singles, graded cards and other relevant collectables.
*Build productive relationships with suppliers, distributors, stores, traders, collectors and other sourcing partners.
*Evaluate purchasing opportunities using expected demand, selling price, gross margin margin, stock turn and commercial risk.
*Take increasing ownership of purchasing and restocking decisions across the business.
*Negotiate pricing, payment terms, allocations and other commercial arrangements with suppliers.
*Lead the commercial development of The Vault across our website, retail store, eBay and other suitable marketplaces.
*Review sales, margin, stock levels, aged inventory and stock turn to improve buying decisions.
*Forecast demand and recommend appropriate purchasing and restocking quantities.
*Support pricing decisions while balancing competitiveness, sales velocity and gross margin.
*Identify slow-moving stock and recommend promotional, repricing or clearance strategies.
*Monitor product releases, market pricing, customer demand, competitor activity and wider industry trends.
*Identify new product categories and commercial opportunities that complement our existing customer base.
*Work closely with our E-Commerce & Social Media Manager on product launches, promotions and marketplace opportunities.
*Collaborate with our Warehouse & Operations Manager and Retail Manager on stock flow, customer demand and operational requirements.
*Take ownership of commercial projects from the initial opportunity through to implementation and review.
What we’re looking for
We are primarily interested in commercial ability and relevant experience rather than specific academic qualifications.
You may currently work as a Buyer, Senior Buyer, Category Manager, Trading Manager, Marketplace Manager, E-Commerce Manager or in another commercially focused retail position.
You should have:
*Relevant experience in buying, category management, retail, e-commerce, marketplaces, procurement or a similar commercial environment.
*A strong understanding of revenue, gross margin, pricing, profitability and stock performance.
*Experience using sales, product and stock data to make informed commercial decisions.
*Confidence negotiating and developing relationships with suppliers and commercial partners.
*The ability to identify and assess new products, categories and revenue opportunities.
*A proactive approach and the confidence to take ownership of projects and decisions.
*Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple categories, suppliers and priorities.
*Good spreadsheet skills and confidence working with commercial data.
*Sound commercial judgement and an understanding of the risks involved in purchasing and holding inventory.
*The ability to work effectively across different areas of a small, fast-moving business.
Trading cards and collectables
Previous professional experience within trading cards, collectables, gaming, toys or a closely related industry would be highly advantageous, but it is not essential.
We welcome applications from commercially strong candidates in other retail or e-commerce sectors who can demonstrate transferable buying, category-management or marketplace experience and a genuine interest in learning the market.
An existing understanding of trading card products, marketplaces, pricing, grading and customer behaviour would be a significant advantage. However, enthusiasm for the category alone will not replace the commercial experience required for the role.
What success looks like
During your first 12 months, you will:
*Take increasing ownership of buying, supplier management and category performance.
*Establish new sourcing relationships and materially grow The Vault across singles, graded cards and older sealed products.
*Improve commercial decision-making and visibility around gross margin, stock turn and aged inventory.
Working arrangements
This is a hybrid position, and much of the role can be carried out from home. However, regular visits to our Glasgow shop and warehouse will be an important part of the position.
Understanding how products move through the business, reviewing stock first-hand, working with the management team and occasionally helping to coordinate the collection or transfer of inventory will all form part of the role.
Candidates should therefore live within a reasonable travelling distance of Glasgow and be comfortable visiting our locations regularly when required.
Our usual working hours are Monday to Friday, approximately 9am–5pm, although there is flexibility around working hours.
What we offer
*Salary of £40,000–£48,000, depending on experience.
*Performance-related bonus.
*Hybrid working.
*Flexible working hours.
*Employee discount.
*Company pension.
*Significant autonomy as the position develops.
*The opportunity to lead an important strategic growth project.
*Direct involvement in meaningful commercial decisions.
*The opportunity to shape a newly created role within a growing business.