Buyer

dSb Recruitment Consultancy Ltd.; Edgware; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid-style role with base in Harrow

Occasional travel

Exposure to national-level trading

Job summary

dsb Recruitment Consultancy Ltd. is seeking an experienced Buyer/Trader to own national category performance within a large retail environment. The role focuses on profitability through category planning, supplier negotiation, promotional strategy, and cost management.

You will collaborate with distribution partners, lead negotiations, and support junior colleagues while contributing to strategic projects. 2–3+ years' trading or buying experience, strong Excel and analytical skills, and the

Qualifications

• Commercially astute trading professional with data-driven mindset.
• 2–3+ years’ experience in trading, buying, or commercial role.
• Proven experience negotiating with suppliers and managing agreements.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category plans that improve margin, income and efficiency.
• Lead national supplier negotiations, including volume- and time-based contracts.
• Manage promotional strategies to drive sales and profitability.
• Forecast income and manage commercial risk.
• Lead category and supplier reviews with stakeholder alignment.
• Support product availability and resolve complex supply issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to strategic projects.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Data-driven mindset

Category planning

Stakeholder management

Advanced Excel

PowerPoint

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Word

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Buyer/Trader to take ownership of national category performance within a large, complex retail environment. This is a commercially focused role with responsibility for driving profitability through effective category planning, supplier negotiation, promotional strategy, and cost management.

Working closely with distribution partners and key suppliers, you will lead negotiations, develop category strategies, and deliver measurable commercial benefits while ensuring security of supply and strong product availability. You will also play an active role in supporting junior colleagues and contributing to wider business initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering category plans that improve margin, income, and efficiency
• Leading national supplier negotiations, including volume- and time-based contracts
• Managing promotional strategies to drive sales and profitability
• Forecasting income and managing commercial risk
• Leading category and supplier reviews, securing stakeholder alignment
• Managing cost price increases and understanding market and commodity drivers
• Supporting product availability and resolving complex supply issues
• Collaborating cross-functionally and contributing to strategic projects

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

You are a commercially astute trading professional with strong negotiation skills and a data-driven mindset. You thrive in fast-paced environments, are confident managing multiple stakeholders, and can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

You will ideally bring:

• 2–3+ years’ experience in a trading, buying, or commercial role for a recognised brand
• Proven experience negotiating with suppliers and managing commercial agreements
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data
• Experience working across large, matrixed teams and influencing without authority
• Excellent planning and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet deadlinesAdvanced Excel skills and confidence using PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word
• A degree (or equivalent) in Business or a related field is desirable but not essential.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

This organisation sits at the heart of one of the UK’s largest retail networks, providing central buying, trading, and strategic support to multiple regional distribution businesses. It plays a critical role in shaping national commercial strategy while working in close partnership with independent and company-owned retailers across a wide variety of formats and locations.

The business values collaboration, ambition, resilience, and partnership, offering employees the opportunity to make a visible impact at a national level.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Hybrid-style role with a base in Harrow and occasional travel
• Exposure to national-level trading and strategic decision-making
• Ongoing learning and development, including structured training programmes
• Clear pathways for career progression within a commercial leadership function