Buying Manager - Food to Go & Deli - Mat Cover

Booker; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food sector is seeking an experienced Buying Manager for their Fresh team. This maternity cover role focuses on maximizing profitability in the Food to Go and Deli categories. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in FMG, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to lead a buying team. If you're ready to make a significant impact and drive customer satisfaction, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Retirement savings plan

Life Assurance

Comprehensive holiday package

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in FMG and leading a buying team.
• Proven ability to work autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category plans to meet sales and profit targets.
• Negotiate annually with suppliers for competitive terms.
• Lead the category team and manage performance.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Education

Degree-level education

Job description

What's in it for you

At Booker, we offer a great place to work with opportunities for career advancement and a comprehensive benefits package:

• A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
• After 3 months, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for four days after each pay day, thirteen times a year. Additional discounts include 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
• 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile, along with other deals throughout the year.
• Up to 30% off car, pet, and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms apply.
• Free eye tests when spending £50 or more, with 30% off glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses on the same spend.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive discounts on RAC breakdown cover and access to a deals website for everyday savings, including a cycle to work scheme.
• After 3 months, eligibility to join the Save As You Earn share scheme at a discount.
• Retirement savings plan (pension) with Booker matching contributions up to 5%.
• Life Assurance providing cover of up to three times annual pay.
• Health and Wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP services for you and your family.
• A comprehensive holiday package.

About the role

Reporting to: Lead Category Manager

Location: Welwyn Garden City

We are seeking an experienced and driven Buying Manager (Category Manager) to join our Fresh team on a maternity cover contract. The role focuses on the Food to Go and Deli categories and can be based in Welwyn, Wellingborough, Watford, or Eccles.

Job Summary: Maximise profitability of specific product categories, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase cash profit.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category plans to meet sales, margin, and profit targets while ensuring product availability.
• Grow own brand business through sourcing to increase sales and margins.
• Negotiate annually with suppliers for competitive terms.
• Gather and respond to customer feedback to shape category plans, aligning with sell plans and customer satisfaction.
• Handle customer queries and complaints professionally and promptly.
• Communicate category plans and objectives clearly to ensure understanding and buy-in.
• Ensure product offerings reflect the principles of good, better, and best.
• Collaborate with the senior team to identify opportunities and improve workflows.
• Lead the category team, manage performance, and develop succession plans aligned with Booker’s values.
• Adhere to our Business Code of Conduct, acting with integrity, promoting diversity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Operational Skills:

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and make commercial decisions.
• Strong attention to detail, report writing, data interpretation, and record keeping.
• Knowledge of relevant markets and developments.
• Flexible working approach.

Experience:

• Degree-level education.
• Extensive experience in FMG and leading a buying team.
• Proven ability to work autonomously.
• Experience in developing and managing marketing campaigns.