Jessica Harper
Manchester|Bedford
Summary
A commercially driven Buyer with professional experience within the health, beauty and FMCG wholesale sector, managing supplier relationships, sourcing products and supporting commercial growth within a fast-paced trading environment. Experienced in international supplier management, negotiation, market analysis and product development, with a proven ability to identify opportunities, build strong partnerships and maximise product potential. Currently managing a portfolio of 45+ supplier accounts across global markets, delivering growth through effective buying decisions and strategic relationship management. Holds a First Class Business Management degree from Nottingham Trent University and is passionate about developing a career within dynamic buying and commercial environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work history
Buyer
SIAN Wholesale
Bedford
2024.07 - Current
- Manage a portfolio of 45+ international supplier accounts across the UK, Europe, USA, Hong Kong and Singapore, building strategic partnerships with manufacturers and traded suppliers while delivering 50% year-on-year growth in supplier account buying through relationship management and commercial opportunities.
- Promoted from Assistant Buyer to Buyer within one year, taking ownership of key supplier relationships, commercial negotiations, category growth and strategic sourcing decisions.
- Led the expansion of SIAN’s skincare, cosmetics and fragrance categories, identifying emerging brands and consumer trends through market research, competitor analysis and social media insights.
- Successfully onboarded 15+ international suppliers across new markets, expanding the global sourcing network and contributing to £3 million+ in category purchasing within the first year.
- Conduct pricing, competitor and market analysis using Microsoft Dynamics NAV/365 and Excel to optimise margins, maintain competitive pricing and identify profitable trading opportunities.
- Sourced and introduced high-demand brands including Sol De Janeiro, Huda Beauty, Skala and Drunk Elephant, strengthening SIAN’s premium beauty portfolio and supporting category growth.
- Developed sourcing opportunities with premium US beauty brands, contributing to improved freight efficiency and supply reliability through the establishment of a new logistics partnership with Prime Transport.
- Represent SIAN Wholesale at key international trade events, including TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes and NEC Birmingham exhibitions, building supplier relationships, identifying new product opportunities and supporting commercial growth.
- Negotiated high-value purchasing agreements, including a £1 million traded skincare deal generating approximately £110,000 gross profit.
Supervisor
Eds Easy Diner
Nottingham
2022.08 - 2024.07
- Transitioned to Ed's Easy Diner, under Boparan Restaurant Group, taking on a supervisory role with the responsibility of managing shifts and leading teams of up to 6 staff members.
- Handled end-of-day financial procedures, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and accuracy in cash management.
- Implemented strategies to optimise labour efficiency, consistently seeking opportunities to reduce costs without compromising service quality.
- Achieved recognition for winning monthly competitions for the most customer reviews and upsells, highlighting exceptional sales and customer engagement skills.
- Expanded expertise by cross-training in various operational areas, including kitchen duties and administrative tasks like invoice processing, showcasing versatility and a commitment to comprehensive service excellence.
Entrepreneur
Personal Brand
Nottingham
2022.09 - 2024.06
- Developed a tailored womenswear clothing brand concept as part of university entrepreneurship studies, inspired by menswear tailoring and adapted to complement the female silhouette through structured fits, refined detailing and contemporary design.
- Managed the end-to-end product development process, from trend research and customer profiling through to product design, fabric selection, technical specifications and garment refinement.
- Analysed fashion trends, competitor activity and consumer insights to shape collection direction and ensure alignment with target customer preferences and market opportunities.
- Created detailed technical packs including garment measurements, construction details, fabric specifications and production requirements to support effective supplier communication and manufacturing processes.
- Gained practical experience with the sampling process, reviewing prototypes, assessing fit, fabric performance and garment quality while providing feedback to improve final product outcomes.
- Researched fabrics and manufacturing processes, developing knowledge of material selection, quality standards, sourcing considerations and international production.
Content Creation/Digital Marketing
Scale It for Me
Remote Work
2023.06 - 2023.07
- Volunteered for a month of unpaid work experience at a small digital marketing agency, initiating a project to enhance the digital presence of 100+ clothing brands on Instagram, with 40% of these initiatives turning into successful leads.
- Developed and implemented content strategies tailored to fashion startups, focusing on viral content and optimal engagement times to elevate brand visibility.
- Conducted targeted market research and outreach to fashion start-ups via Instagram and email, achieving a 65% positive response rate with personalised marketing proposals.
Part-Time Work
Slim Chickens
Nottingham
2021.10 - 2022.07
- Quickly promoted to Team Leader and Supervisor within two months at Slim Chickens during my first year at university, showcasing rapid adaptability and leadership skills.
- Tasked with significant responsibilities such as opening/closing the establishment, financial handling, and training new staff, highlighting confidence in my operational abilities.
- Chosen to represent our branch at head office meetings in Birmingham, providing valuable input on strategies to enhance brand efficiency and innovation.
- Led efforts to improve operational efficiency, boost upselling, and ensure audit readiness, in addition to organising staff shifts for maximum productivity.
Reselling Business/Personal Shopping
Business Owner
2020.01 - 2022.01
- Founded an Instagram-based reselling business specialising in rare trainers, expanding into luxury clothing through strategic sourcing and strong client networks. Utilised eBay and Depop to enhance sales channels, achieving a significant 33% profit margin on footwear in the first year through strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Excelled in building and maintaining customer loyalty through market research, securing items at discounted rates for resale at a profit, demonstrating a keen eye for value and market demand.
- Established a reputation for personalised shopping services, often curating entire outfits for repeat clients, which underscored the business’s success in both product sourcing and customer satisfaction.
- Cultivated a broad network of suppliers and clients, enhancing the business’s reach and variety of offerings, and showcasing an adeptness in international communication, sales strategies, and marketing.
Education
You, Me & Chanel -
Creative Mentor Network
LondonBachelor of Arts in Business Management with Entrepreneurship - Nottingham
Nottingham Trent University
NottinghamBTEC Level 3 in Business Management -
North Hertfordshire College
GCSE's -
Samuel Whitbread Academy
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft, Excel, PowerPoint & Canva
- Proficient in Content Creation and Adobe Photoshop
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Buying & Procurement
- International Sourcing
- Negotiation & Cost Management
- Commercial Awareness
Timeline
Buyer
SIAN Wholesale
2024.07 - Current
Content Creation/Digital Marketing
Scale It for Me
2023.06 - 2023.07
Entrepreneur
Personal Brand
2022.09 - 2024.06
Supervisor
Eds Easy Diner
2022.08 - 2024.07
Part-Time Work
Slim Chickens
2021.10 - 2022.07
Reselling Business/Personal Shopping
Business Owner
2020.01 - 2022.01
BTEC Level 3 in Business Management -
North Hertfordshire College
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with Entrepreneurship - Nottingham
Nottingham Trent University
You, Me & Chanel -
Creative Mentor Network
GCSE's -
Samuel Whitbread Academy