Buyer FMCG

linkup; Darwen; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established wholesale and retail company in Darwen is seeking an experienced Buyer to lead supplier relationships and manage stock availability. You will play a key role in negotiating commercial terms and ensuring compliance within a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in buying within FMCG or retail and possess excellent analytical and negotiation skills. A competitive salary and various employee benefits are on offer, including discounts and an on-site gym.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Cashback Healthcare Plan

22 days holiday

On-site gym

Qualifications

• Strong experience in a buying function, preferably FMCG, retail, or distribution.
• Proven track record of supplier management and commercial negotiation.
• Analytical and confident with KPIs and dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier relationships and negotiate commercial terms.
• Manage stock availability and compliance.
• Monitor supplier performance through clear KPIs.

Skills

Supplier management

Commercial negotiation

Data analysis

Forecasting

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

CIPS or equivalent qualification

Job description

Are you an experienced Buyer who is ready for a new and exciting role? Do you love product? Are you experienced at working in a regulated industry? Do you have experience of buying from China? Do you want to be part of a well‑established, fast‑growing wholesale and retail company? If the answers are yes then YOU are the person we are looking for.

You will lead supplier relationships, negotiate commercial terms, and take full ownership of stock availability and compliance. The role covers strategic sourcing with hands‑on stock management, ensuring the business stays competitive and supports an exceptional customer experience. So, it is real fast‑moving consumer goods!

What Your Role will Cover:

Supplier Management & Commercial Negotiation

• Act as a credible representative of the business with suppliers and partners.
• Build strong supplier relationships to secure competitive pricing, early product access, and priority fulfilment.
• Lead quarterly reviews covering supplier performance, innovation, and future opportunities.
• Negotiate favorable commercial terms including pricing, rebates, and promotional support.
• Challenge underperformance on service levels, minimum order quantities, and lead times.

Stock Management & Availability

• Own forecasting, ordering, and availability across core ranges.
• Maintain high stock availability (typically >97%) through proactive planning.
• Manage the launch and supply‑chain integration of new products.
• Monitor aged or slow‑moving stock and put in place clearance, returns, or supplier‑funded reduction plans.

Data & Performance Management

• Monitor supplier dashboards up to date on stock, margin, availability, sales, and product trends.
• Track performance through clear KPIs such as On Time in Full (OTIF) delivery, availability %, and stock ageing.
• Present business cases internally to support key commercial decisions.

Compliance & Regulation

• Stay informed on industry and product regulations.
• Ensure supplier and product documentation (HMRC, CE, compliance certificates) is accurate and complete.

What Will You Bring to the Role?

• Strong experience in a buying function (FMCG, retail, or distribution), with a proven track record of supplier management and commercial negotiation.
• Commercially astute with excellent negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective supplier relationships.
• Analytical and confident with Excel, KPIs, and dashboards.
• Skilled in forecasting and stock control.
• Strong communication and influencing ability.
• CIPS or equivalent qualification (desirable but not essential).
• Experience managing or mentoring others is an advantage, though not required.

Whats On Offer

• Competitive salary.
• A key role in the Buying Team you will be valued.
• Discounts on retail and high street.
• Cashback Healthcare Plan.
• Discounts on products.
• 22 days holiday, increasing with service.
• On‑site gym.

THE NEXT STEPS! So, if you are a Buyer that is Product, Stock and Data Driven I want to learn more about you. Please send me your CV. Thanks, Lindsay