Buyer (Retail)

Vickerstock; Belfast; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A successful retail business in Belfast is seeking a Buyer to optimize product ranges, negotiate with suppliers, and analyze market trends. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of buying experience in retail or FMCG and strong negotiation skills, along with a degree qualification being advantageous. This is a full-time permanent position offering the opportunity to work collaboratively across departments to ensure competitive pricing and stock availability.

Qualifications

• 2 years' recent experience as a Buyer within Retail, FMCG, or wholesale industry.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Past experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the ongoing review and optimisation of product ranges.
• Lead commercial negotiations, including cost prices and promotional funding.
• Track competitor activity, pricing, and market trends.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Commercial insight

Analytical skills

Education

Degree Education (advantageous)

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a successful Retail business on the appointment of a Buyer. This is a full-time permanent position.

As the Buyer, you will ensure that products remain competitively price and will analyse sales and stock data, plan promotions, and negotiate prices with suppliers across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

In your new role:

• Own the ongoing review and optimisation of product ranges, ensuring relevance, compliance and customer appeal.
• Lead commercial negotiations, including cost prices, promotional funding and joint business plans
• Track competitor activity, pricing and wider market trends to inform category decisions.
• Agree and manage annual sales and margin targets in line with senior leadership expectations.
• Oversee stock levels to ensure consistent availability while minimising excess or slow-moving inventory.
• Communicate pricing changes, shortages and supply risks to relevant stakeholders.
• Manage and follow up on supplier credits relating to shortages, damages or delivery issues.
• Regularly review sales, margin and stock reports to identify risks, trends and growth opportunities.
• Use commercial insight to guide buying decisions, range changes and promotional planning.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to plan, execute and review OTC and Food Supplement campaigns.
• Share promotional plans and merchandising guidelines with Area and Branch Managers.
• Ensure stores receive the correct POS material and that merchandising standards are maintained.
• Work collaboratively with Retail, Dispensing, Operations and Head Office teams to deliver category objectives.

What you will need to succeed:

• Degree Education (advantageous)
• 2 years' recent experience as a Buyer within Retail, FMCG, or wholesale industry.
• Strong negotiation skills
• Past experience with ERP/MRP systems.

For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with our supply chain consultant Michael Irwin today!