Assistant Food Buyer

Excel Recruitment; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading family-owned business in Belfast is looking for a passionate Assistant Food Buyer. This role involves developing product strategies, negotiating with suppliers, and driving category performance. The ideal candidate should have experience in a similar role and strong analytical skills, along with proficiency in Excel and communication.

Benefits

Generous Salary

Bonus scheme

Pension

Career progression

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year’s experience in a similar role.
• Strong data analysis and numerical skills with high accuracy.
• Excellent Excel and Microsoft Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop assigned product categories.
• Negotiate pricing, supplier terms, and promotional activities.
• Analyse competitor activity and market data.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Data analysis

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Planning

Communication

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Assistant Food Buyer

My client, one of Europe’s most successful family-owned businesses is seeking a commercial and passionate Assistant Food Buyer to join their highly reputable business in Belfast. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced retail/wholesale environment, developing product strategies, negotiating with suppliers, and driving category performance across a diverse product portfolio.

Package

• Generous Salary doe
• Hybrid
• Bonus scheme
• Pension
• Career progression

Responsibilities of this Assistant Food Buyer job include:

• Manage and develop assigned product categories using best-practice category management principles.
• Conduct ongoing range reviews and implement rationalisation and refreshment plans.
• Build seasonal supply plans based on demand forecasting.
• Negotiate pricing, supplier terms, rebates, promotional activities and wholesale selling prices in line with brand positioning and market alignment.
• Monitor vendor and product performance, margin contribution, volume, and market share; take corrective action where needed.
• Analyse competitor activity and market data to inform commercial strategy.
• Develop and implement promotional strategies to maximise revenue and margin.
• Build strong supplier relationships and ensure communication across the total supply chain for optimal efficiency.
• Represent the trading function in retailer forums and cross-functional teams.

Requirements of this Assistant Food Buyer job include:

• Minimum 1 year’s experience in a similar role.
• Proven commercial acumen and results delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong data analysis and numerical skills with high accuracy.
• Excellent Excel and general Microsoft Office skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate, problem-solve and manage conflict effectively.
• Effective planning, decision-making, and ability to work under pressure.

Aoife Clarke is handling the recruitment for this role in complete confidentiality. Please upload your CV below and she will be in touch should you have the correct experience for the position. For more jobs like this, please visit the Excel Recruitment website or call 01 871 7613 for more information. Unfortunately, due to volume only suitable applicants can be contacted.