Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.
Buyer CV Template (Text Format)
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Experienced Buyer with 8 years of expertise in the fashion industry, currently leading strategy at Burberry in London. Skilled in trend analysis, negotiation, and supplier relationship management, with a proven track record of driving sales growth and cost efficiency across top brands like ASOS and Zara. Adept at developing exclusive product lines and managing inventory. Strong focus on delivering high-quality products to meet consumer demands.
KEY SKILLS
- Trend analysis
- Negotiation
- Product development
- Inventory management
- Supplier relationship management
- Data analysis
EXPERIENCE
Senior Buyer – Burberry, Soho
Jan 20XX – Present
- Lead negotiations with key suppliers, achieving a 15% reduction in costs while maintaining high-quality standards
- Manage a team of junior buyers, improving team efficiency by 20% through effective leadership and training
- Develop and launch exclusive product lines that increase seasonal sales by 15%
- Use trend analysis tools to forecast fashion trends, resulting in a 20% improvement in stock accuracy
- Enhance supplier relationships, securing better payment terms and exclusive agreements
Buyer – ASOS, Hackney
Jun 20XX – Dec 20XX
- Spearheaded the introduction of sustainable fashion lines, leading to a 10% increase in sales
- Optimised inventory management processes, reducing overstock by 18% while maintaining product availability
- Collaborated with the visual merchandising team to create displays that boosted in-store sales by 8%
Product Coordinator – Zara, Soho
Feb 20XX – May 20XX
- Coordinated the development and launch of new product lines, contributing to a 20% increase in market share
- Played a key role in inventory management, ensuring consistent stock levels across all stores
- Assisted in negotiations with suppliers, achieving cost savings of 8% on bulk purchases
- Collaborated with the marketing team to align product launches with promotional campaigns
Retail Assistant – Selfridges, Hackney
Jan 20XX – Jan 20XX
- Provided exceptional customer service in a luxury retail environment, consistently meeting sales targets
- Supported visual merchandising efforts, contributing to a 15% increase in in-store sales
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring accurate stock levels and reducing shrinkage by 10%
- Maintained strong product knowledge to effectively assist customers and influence purchasing decisions
EDUCATION
BA (Hons) Fashion Management, University of Westminster, London | 20XX – 20XX
How to write a buyer CV
Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.
A buyer CV should highlight your skills in procurement, negotiation, and supplier management, as well as your ability to reduce costs and optimise supply chains.
Here’s how to structure a standout buyer CV that will demonstrate your expertise in sourcing and managing supplier relationships, conducting market analysis, and driving efficiency:
1. Write a personal statement that highlights your expertise
Your personal statement should summarise your experience, key skills, and unique strengths as a buyer.
Focus on your experience in sourcing, negotiating, and managing supplier relationships, as well as your ability to reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency. Highlight any specific industries you’ve worked in, such as retail, manufacturing, or FMCG, and mention any notable achievements that demonstrate your impact, such as cost savings, improved supplier performance, or successful contract negotiations.
Example buyer CV personal statement
Results-driven Buyer with 7 years of experience in procurement and supplier management within the retail sector. Skilled in sourcing, negotiating, and managing supplier relationships to achieve cost savings of up to 20% and ensure high-quality product availability. Proven track record in inventory management and implementing supply chain strategies that enhance efficiency and reduce lead times. Adept at conducting market analysis and trend forecasting to optimise purchasing decisions and maximise profitability.
2. Emphasise key skills that showcase your procurement and negotiation abilities
The key skills section of your CV should reflect the core competencies required for a buyer role. Focus on skills such as vendor negotiation, supplier relationship management, cost analysis, inventory management, and strategic sourcing. Include any software skills, like proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) or procurement software, which are often valued in this field.
Demonstrate that you have the capabilities hiring managers are looking for by using the same key words as the job description when listing your skills, with the most relevant skills at the top of the list.
Example key skills for a buyer CV
- Strategic sourcing and procurement
- Supplier relationship management
- Negotiation skills
- Budget management
- Market analysis and trend forecasting
- ERP and procurement software (SAP, Oracle)
- Inventory control
- Supply chain optimisation
- Contract management and compliance
3. Demonstrate your procurement achievements in the experience section
Your work experience should provide a detailed account of your procurement and purchasing expertise. Focus on your ability to manage supplier relationships, negotiate favourable terms, and reduce costs.
Instead of simply listing your duties, provide specific examples of how you improved procurement processes, achieved significant cost savings, or built successful supplier partnerships. And, use numbers to quantify these achievements wherever possible to give hiring managers a clear picture of your impact.
Example of work experience for a buyer CV
Buyer
Marks & Spencer
April 20XX – Present
- Manage procurement for a portfolio of over 100 product lines, negotiating with suppliers to achieve an average cost reduction of 15% while maintaining high-quality standards
- Conduct market analysis to identify new sourcing opportunities, resulting in a 15% increase in supplier base and improved product variety
- Collaborate with 10+ members of the supply chain team to optimise inventory levels and reduce lead times
- Develop and manage 20+ supplier contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and ethical sourcing standards
4. Highlight your education with relevant qualifications in procurement and supply chain management
Your education section should list any relevant qualifications, such as a degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Additionally, professional certifications such as the CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification can significantly enhance your CV by demonstrating your commitment to the procurement profession.
List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
Example of a buyer CV’s education section
CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply
Completed: July 20XXBA (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management
University of Manchester
Graduated: June 20XX
