Assistant Buyer (Food, Hybrid working)

VanRath; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Food Retail Services company seeks an Assistant Buyer to enhance their product offerings and drive sales growth. The role entails evaluating products, negotiating with suppliers, and strategic management of pricing components. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of one year of experience in a buying or category management role and possess strong analytical skills, ensuring that they thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Excellent benefits

Career progression pathways

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience in buying or category management in food retail or wholesale.
• Strong analytical skills with proven ability to interpret data.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate product portfolio leveraging market trends and consumer insights.
• Negotiate pricing and supply agreements.
• Forecast seasonal supply needs and track product performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Commercial awareness

Job description

VANRATH is proud to support a long-established client in their search for an Assistant Buyer. This leading Food Retail Services / FMCG company boasts a multi-billion-pound turnover and is widely recognised for its strong commitment to employee wellbeing, making it one of the best places to grow your career.

Location: Belfast - Dargan Crescent
Work Style: Hybrid working available
Position Type: Permanent

Compensation:
Competitive salary (negotiable) plus bonus, excellent benefits, perks, and clear pathways for career progression.

Key Responsibilities:

• Continuously evaluate the product portfolio using category management best practices, leveraging market trends, consumer insights, and supplier innovations.

• Create and share comprehensive category strategies across all teams and clients to ensure alignment and maximise sales potential.

• Plan and implement detailed product range updates and rationalisation according to the company's review schedule.

• Forecast seasonal supply needs to address fluctuations in demand.

• Track and analyse product performance, including sales volume, profitability, and market share, and take corrective actions to meet business objectives.

• Review competitor pricing and supplier costs to maintain a competitive customer offering.

• Negotiate pricing and supply agreements adhering to Northern Ireland policies and guidelines.

• Strategically manage pricing components such as discounts, rebates, promotions, and special offers to position the brand as a quality, value-for-money option.

Who We're Looking For:

• At least 1 year of experience in a buying or category management role within the food retail or wholesale sector.

• Strong analytical skills with experience in data interpretation.

• Proven ability to achieve commercial results in a fast-paced environment.

For further information on this opportunity, or any other position, please apply via the link below or contactJack Groves via VANRATH in the strictest confidence.