Buyer, Waitrose & Partners

Waitrose & Partners; Bracknell; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Waitrose & Partners is seeking a Level 5 Buyer to join their Trading team at the Bracknell Head Office. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve KPIs, supporting category plans, and developing buying skills. Ideal candidates will have commercial experience, strong negotiation skills, and a collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• Commercial experience at Buyer level with strong results.
• Experience communicating across all business levels.
• Understanding of GSCOP & Competition Law.

Responsibilities

• Work in a Category Pod with roles including Buyer and Merchandiser.
• Support the Category Pod in achieving individual accountabilities.
• Facilitate horizontal collaboration across Pods.

Skills

Negotiation

Data-driven decision-making

Performance management

Collaboration

Continuous improvement

Job description

About The Role

Waitrose & Partners prides itself on being different. Our intention is to combine the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist food shop. Add this to our unswerving dedication to our customers and the highest respect for our suppliers (the provenance and traceability of our food is vital) and, of course, the environment and you can start to see we’re a bit more than ‘just’ a supermarket. We have two exciting opportunities to join our fantastic Trading team as a Level 5 Buyer.

At a Glance

• Salary - £60,000 - £90,000
• Contract type - 2 x 12 month fixed-term contracts
• Location - Bracknell Head Office
• Working pattern - Hybrid approach with 2-3 days in the office and flexible attendance for meetings
• Interviews - w/c 2nd June, in person

What will you be doing?

• Work in a Category Pod with roles including Buyer, Merchandiser, Supply Planners, Technologist, and Product Developer to deliver shared KPIs collaboratively.
• Support the Category Pod in achieving individual accountabilities (Indirect Shared KPIs).
• Upskill and develop buying skills through peer coaching, mentoring, and sharing best practices across Category Pods.
• Facilitate horizontal collaboration across Pods.
• Support the Trading Manager and deputise when necessary to enable category plans.

This role suits self-motivated individuals with influencing skills, the ability to inspire suppliers, and confidence in communication and numeracy. Creativity and a passion for products are desirable.

Essential Skills You’ll Need

• Commercial experience at Buyer level with strong results.
• Experience communicating across all business levels or in other directorates at a similar level.
• Negotiation training (e.g., GAP) and understanding of GSCOP & Competition Law.
• Data-driven decision-making experience.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Performance management skills.
• Experience working across boundaries and empowering others.
• Collaborative approach.