Buying Manager - Ambient Grocery

Rise Resourcing; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Healthcare

Job summary

Rise Resourcing is helping a major UK retailer hire a Buying Manager to own an Ambient Grocery category. The role is hybrid with three days a week in the West Midlands office, and you will shape the product offer across hundreds of stores nationwide.

You will source suppliers, develop ranges, and plan promotions while delivering margin and commercial impact. Collaboration across trading, supply chain, marketing and operations will be essential to build compelling category plans and long-term

Qualifications

• Experience buying in retail or wholesale, especially ambient grocery.
• Strong negotiation skills with suppliers and ability to improve cost and margin.
• Experience developing category strategies or leading supplier-facing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Steer strategic direction for the ambient grocery category from sourcing to range development.
• Lead supplier negotiations, manage supplier relationships, and drive on-time ranges with strong commercial impact.
• Collaborate with trading, marketing, supply chain and operations to deliver category plans and JBPs, optimizing pricing and promotions.

Skills

Buying experience

Supplier management

Negotiation

Category strategy

Job description

A leading UK retailer is looking for an experienced Buying Manager to take ownership of one of its key Ambient Grocery categories. You’ll join a high‑performing commercial team and play a central role in shaping the product offer across hundreds of stores nationwide. The role is hybrid, with three days per week spent in their modern West Midlands office.

The Role

Reporting into the Head of Buying, you’ll steer the strategic direction of the category — from supplier sourcing and range development through to promotional planning and margin delivery. You’ll identify new supplier opportunities, strengthen existing partnerships, and ensure ranges land on time with strong commercial impact.

You’ll collaborate closely with trading, supply chain, marketing and operations teams to build compelling category plans, deliver effective JBPs, and optimise pricing, promotions and profitability. This is a visible, commercially autonomous role where you’ll influence decision‑making and help drive the category’s long‑term growth.

About You

You’ll bring solid buying experience from retail or wholesale, ideally within an ambient grocery category such as Impulse, Confectionery, Soft Drinks, BWS, Non-Edible / Household or similar. You’ll be confident negotiating commercial terms, managing suppliers, and spotting opportunities to improve cost, margin and overall category performance.

A collaborative approach is essential, along with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. Experience developing category strategies or leading supplier‑facing initiatives would be highly advantageous.

What’s on Offer

You’ll receive a competitive salary (DOE), car allowance, healthcare and a comprehensive benefits package. The business offers a supportive, values‑led culture with genuine flexibility, encouraging colleagues to balance office and remote working while contributing to an ambitious commercial agenda.