Buyer - Alcohol

B&M Retail Limited; West Kirby; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Colleague discount

Benefits portal

Job summary

B&M Retail Limited is seeking experienced Buyers to help grow its purchasing across Grocery, Alcohol and Tobacco categories. The role is based at our Support Centre in Speke, Liverpool, with a hybrid working arrangement and clear opportunities for career development within a fast-growing retailer.

You will develop commercially successful ranges, negotiate with suppliers, and use market insights to drive sales, margin and market share while supporting Assistant and Junior Buyers.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Grocery, FMCG, Alcohol or Tobacco buying.
• Strong commercial awareness with a track record of driving sales and margin growth.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers and cross-functional teams to deliver results.
• Data-driven mindset with ability to interpret sales and market data for decision-making.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering category strategies that drive sales, margin, and market share.
• Managing product ranges across designated categories to meet customer needs and business objectives.
• Building strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable terms, promotions, and product innovations.
• Identifying market trends and customer insights to inform ranging decisions.
• Negotiating cost prices, promotional plans, and trading agreements to maximise performance.
• Analyzing sales, profit, and market data to support forecasting and range reviews.
• Collaborating with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing and Retail Operations to launch products and promotions.
• Monitoring category performance and taking proactive actions to optimise sales, availability and profitability.
• Mentoring Assistant Buyers and Junior Buyers where appropriate.

Skills

Grocery buying

FMCG buying

Alcohol buying

Tobacco buying

Negotiation

Supplier relationships

Data-driven decisions

Excel

Category management

Forecasting

Tools

Excel

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for experienced Buyers to join our team at a pivotal time of growth. As we continue to expand our Buying function across multiple categories, we're looking for ambitious, commercially savvy individuals with experience in Grocery, Alcohol or Tobacco buying who can thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

As a Buyer, you'll play a key role in developing commercially successful ranges, identifying market opportunities, negotiating with suppliers, and delivering value for our customers. Reporting to a Senior Buyer or Senior Buying Manager, you'll have the autonomy to make an impact while being supported to develop your career within one of the UK's fastest-growing retailers.

This is a permanent, full-time role based at our Support Centre in Speke, Liverpool, with a hybrid working arrangement.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering category strategies that drive sales, margin, and market share
• Managing product ranges across designated categories, ensuring they meet customer needs and business objectives
• Building strong relationships with suppliers to secure the best commercial terms, promotional opportunities, and product innovation
• Identifying market trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to inform ranging decisions
• Negotiating cost prices, promotional plans, and trading agreements to maximise commercial performance
• Analysing sales, profit, and market data to support forecasting, range reviews and category growth
• Partnering with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing and Retail Operations teams to deliver successful product launches and promotions
• Managing category performance and taking proactive action to optimise sales, availability and profitability
• Supporting and developing Assistant Buyers and Junior Buyers where appropriate

The skills & experience you'll bring:

• Previous experience as a Buyer, or an established Junior Buyer ready to take the next step
• Grocery, FMCG, Alcohol or Tobacco buying experience
• Strong commercial awareness and a proven ability to deliver sales and margin growth
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills
• Experience working closely with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders
• A data-driven approach, with the ability to interpret sales and market information to support decision-making
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• A positive, proactive approach with a passion for retail and delivering great products for customers

Why B&M?

We offer a range of great benefits including colleague discount, a benefits portal offering discounts across numerous retailers, hospitality and leisure providers, and much more. You can view our full benefits package here: https://careers.bmstores.co.uk/our-bm-benefits/

B&M Retail is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all colleagues.