Buyer

Zachary Daniels Recruitment; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking a Plant Buyer for a well-established retail business in Exeter's garden sector. The ideal candidate will have proven retail buying experience with seasonal products, strong negotiation skills, and excellent data analysis ability. Responsibilities include managing the seasonal plant category, liaising with suppliers across the UK and Europe, and ensuring product availability. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and career development opportunities within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Employee discount

Career development opportunities

Flexible start times

Long service awards

Qualifications

• Proven retail buying experience with seasonal or perishable products.
• Strong commercial acumen and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and forecast demand.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the seasonal plant category.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers for cost efficiency and quality.
• Monitor market trends and suggest improvements based on data.

Skills

Retail buying experience

Negotiation skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

IT and data management skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Plant Buyer

Zachary Daniels is recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing retail business within the garden and horticulture sector. Due to continued expansion, we are seeking an experienced Plant Buyer to take ownership of a key seasonal category and play a pivotal role in driving commercial performance.

The Role

Reporting into the Gardens Buying team, you will be responsible for developing and managing the seasonal plant category, ensuring strong availability, margin protection and customer relevance throughout the year.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing the seasonal plant category in line with business objectives, driving sales, margin and effective stock management
• Managing and developing supplier relationships across the UK and Europe through regular communication and site visits
• Negotiating commercial terms to ensure value for money while maintaining high product quality
• Planning and managing delivery schedules throughout the season, ensuring compliance with plant import regulations and domestic requirements
• Reacting to seasonal demand, identifying risks and implementing solutions to maintain availability and minimise wastage
• Monitoring market trends, customer needs, competitor activity and product innovation, using data to suggest range improvements
• Creating and delivering promotional plans across the annual trading calendar in collaboration with Social and Marketing teams
• Supporting the Gardens Buyer on wider departmental projects and initiatives

About You

• Proven retail buying experience with seasonal or perishable products (essential)
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent negotiation skills and attention to detail
• Confident analysing data, identifying trends and forecasting demand for seasonal peaks
• Highly organised with strong communication skills
• Resilient, positive and able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong IT and data management skills, including Microsoft Office
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Willing and able to travel across the UK and Europe for supplier visits and trade shows

What's on Offer

• A collaborative and supportive team culture with real opportunity to make an impact
• Career development and progression within a growing business
• Employee discount across a wide product range
• Competitive salary, holiday allowance and pension
• Flexible start times with potential for hybrid working
• Long service awards