Gemma Nestor
London,England
Summary
A sourcing, buying, and product development expert with a proven track record in leading strategic sourcing, supplier management, and ethical production. Adept at working in fast-paced, scaling businesses, I drive operational efficiency and product excellence through strong supplier partnerships, cost optimisation, and responsible sourcing. A decisive, commercially focused leader skilled in cross-functional collaboration and influencing to drive business success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Responsible Sourcing & Buying Lead
Mint Velvet
High Wycombe, England
10.2023 - 04.2025
- Leading sourcing and supplier strategies, ensuring commercial success, ethical integrity, and long-term scalability.
- Onboarding and developing a future-proof supplier base aligned with business growth, product excellence, and sustainability commitments.
- Managing the product life cycle critical path and quality, safeguarding cost optimisation and scalability.
- Driving responsible buying practices, margin optimisation and ensuring supplier social compliance.
Buying & Sourcing Lead
Stitch Fix UK
London, England
10.2018 - 10.2023
- Launched 3 Private label brands overseeing a team of 8, combining market knowledge and data insights to build the brand's DNA, sourcing & supplier strategies and product opportunities.
- Developed and executed seasonal sourcing and buying strategies, achieving a 50% WW mix and strong YoY growth, while utilising data-driven insights to refine product ranges, drive revenue growth, and mitigate stock risks.
- Established long-term supplier partnerships, optimising margin gain opportunities, promoting product excellence and supply chain stability.
- Advocated and launched PLM system to help drive efficiencies throughout the total product life cycle.
- Recruited, mentored, and developed buying teams, fostering a collaborative and high performance culture.
Junior Buyer - Senior Buyer
ASOS
London, England
03.2009 - 11.2018
- Developed and executed strategic buying, sourcing & product development plans across multiple departments and categories.
- Collaboratively researched and launched ASOS White, a multi-product premium private-label brand.
- Managed end-to-end product development, ensuring innovation and commercial success.
- Led and coached teams, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
Assistant Buyer
Topshop
London, England
06.2005 - 03.2009
- Supported sourcing and development of own-brand product lines.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive product performance.
- Assisted in buying plans, sales analysis, and pricing strategies to optimise profitability.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology 2:1
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool 09.1997 - 06.2000
Skills
- Strategic sourcing & supplier management
- Ethical & sustainable production
- Cost optimisation & margin improvement
- End-to-end product development
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team leadership & mentorship
- Supply chain & critical path management
Timeline
Responsible Sourcing & Buying Lead
Mint Velvet
10.2023 - 04.2025
Buying & Sourcing Lead
Stitch Fix UK
10.2018 - 10.2023
Junior Buyer - Senior Buyer
ASOS
03.2009 - 11.2018
Assistant Buyer
Topshop
06.2005 - 03.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology 2:1
Liverpool John Moores University
09.1997 - 06.2000
Similar Profiles
FREYA MACKENZIE-CONNORFREYA MACKENZIE-CONNOR
Style Advisor at Mint VelvetStyle Advisor at Mint Velvet
Tierney BrainTierney Brain
Style Advisor at Mint VelvetStyle Advisor at Mint Velvet
AIMEE MARKWELLAIMEE MARKWELL
Style Advisor at Mint VelvetStyle Advisor at Mint Velvet
Abiodun AdeolaAbiodun Adeola
Family support worker at Mr JosephFamily support worker at Mr Joseph
Melvin CohenMelvin Cohen
Sales account executive at Bloomberg LPSales account executive at Bloomberg LP