Head of Buying and Development

Location: Woodstock, VT
Department: Purchasing
Type: Full-Time

About Us:

Farmhouse Pottery is dedicated to crafting timeless home goods that are both functional and beautiful. With a commitment to traditional techniques and craftsmanship, we curate a unique selection of products that reflect our values of quality and simplicity.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Buying and Development to lead our product and purchasing strategy. This role is critical in ensuring that our product offerings align with our brand vision while also meeting the needs of our customers. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the home goods industry, a strong network of supplier relationships, and a proven track record of successful product development and purchasing management.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead product development and buying strategy for all product categories
• Manage relationships with vendors, manufacturers, and suppliers
• Oversee quality control processes to ensure product excellence
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, and operations
• Forecast seasonal product demand and manage inventory levels to optimize performance
• Train and mentor the buying and development team to foster professional growth
• Identify market trends and adapt product assortment accordingly
• Prepare and manage budgets for product development and purchasing initiatives

This should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities. There may be some variation and/or development of the above duties and responsibilities without changing the general nature of the job.

• 8+ years of experience in buying and product development, preferably in the home goods industry
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a team
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills
• Proven ability to analyze market trends and consumer behavior
• Deep understanding of product quality standards and quality control measures
• Strong analytical skills and experience with inventory management systems (NetSuite preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field

If you do not have all of these experiences, please still consider applying!

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Parental Leave policy
• Company paid holidays and PTO
• OT opportunities available seasonally
• 401(k) with company matching
• Opportunity to make pottery, plus product discounts