Buying Manager

Seven Search and Selection Ltd; Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Seven Search and Selection Ltd is seeking a Buying Manager to lead a dynamic team in developing and delivering a customer-first category strategy within a fast-paced, growing UK food retail environment. The role focuses on innovative buying, margin growth and end-to-end supplier negotiations.

You will manage at least three direct reports, drive cost-effective supplier negotiations, and shape in-store activations and promotions to boost footfall and value perception.

Qualifications

• Hands-on buying experience.
• Proven ability to lead a team of buyers (min 3 direct reports).
• Strong negotiation and JBPs experience with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team to develop, implement and review a customer-centric category strategy.
• Create and deliver the category vision to grow cash sales and margins.
• Negotiate JBPs that deliver category objectives and manage supplier relationships.
• Develop and manage a team through development plans and performance reviews.
• Source new suppliers/products to excite consumers and drive sales and margin.
• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing and retail operations to deliver strategy.

Skills

Team leadership

Negotiation

Data analysis

Relationship management

Communication skills

Planning & organization

Self-starter

Buying experience

Job description

• Extremely successful, market leading food retailer with significant turnover.
• Highly commercial environment with a fast-paced culture focused on exceeding customer expectations.
• This Buying Manager role is ideal for an individual who wants to progress their career in a growing retailer.
• Excellent Flexible working - 3 days a week in the office and the rest from home (offer flexible hours)

The role:

• As Buying Manager you will lead the team to develop, implement, and review a customer centric category strategy for the category developing innovative buying strategies which exceed customer expectations.
• The Buyer Manager will create and deliver the category vision focusing on growing cash sales and margin delivery. As well as building long-lasting mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.
• Being an excellent negotiator, the Buying Manager will support the team to negotiate JBP’s that deliver on category objectives
• The Buying Manager will develop, lead and manage a team of buyers ensuring each team member has a clear development plan.
• The Buying Manager will lead the team to source new suppliers and products that will excite consumers and create value, choice and quality growing sales and margin. And will ensure effective promotional plans and in store activations are delivered that drive footfall and consumer value perception.
• The Buying Manager will lead the team to develop and manage a cost reduction strategy that delivers targeted margin and will have a strong understanding of market dynamics, commodities etc
• Using data and insights you will work with internal and external stakeholders including merchandising, marketing and retail operations to drive the delivery of your strategy
• This Buying Manager role is ideal for a commercial individual who has gained buying experience from UK food retail or wholesale. You will have managed large-scale negotiations with leading branded manufacturers
• You must have led a team of at least 3 direct reports – having responsibility for their personal development
• It is essential to be able to demonstrate hands on buying and have negotiated directly with suppliers demonstrating different tactics and styles.
• The Buying Manager will have a proven track record in developing strategies and approaches that deliver successful JBP’s
• In addition, you will demonstrate a passion for the customer, product and a flair for commerciality
• Working as part of a team both in buying and across the wider business you must have excellent relationship building skills you will be able to communicate and influence with internal and external stakeholders.
• As Buyer Manager you must have good insight and data analysis skills and be able to action opportunities to drive profit
• You will have excellent planning and organization skills, have initiative, be a self-starter and have can-do attitude

Benefits & details:

• You will thrive in a matrix blue chip structure that is down to earth and personable.
• Excellent package – up to £80,000 plus car allowance bonus and benefits
• Location – 3 days a week in the office and the rest from home also offer flexible hours