Buying Manager - Head Office

LIDL; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A major grocery retailer seeks a Buying Manager for their Head Office in Tolworth. This hybrid role involves overseeing product categories, negotiating with top suppliers, and making strategic decisions on investments. Candidates should have retail buying experience, passion for food retail, and strong analytical and negotiation skills. Competitive salary and excellent benefits including 35 days holiday pro rata, 10% in-store discount, and a pension scheme.

Benefits

35 days holiday (pro rata)

10% in-store discount

Pension scheme

Enhanced family leave

Qualifications

• Experience working as a Buyer in the retail sector.
• Passionate about the food retail industry.
• Possession of a full UK driving licence.
• Common sense, pragmatic, logical and quick thinking.

Responsibilities

• Make decisions involving multi-million pound investments.
• Oversee categories from conception to launch.
• Negotiate with Account Managers and Directors.
• Analyse trends and project sales.

Skills

Decision-making

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Initiative

Presence

Job description

Lidl GB

Location: London

Job Title: Buying Manager - Head Office

Salary: £66,000 - £77,000 per annum

Summary

35 days holiday (pro rata), 10% in-store discount, Pension scheme.

Hybrid Working Model

Spend three days or more in our state‑of‑the‑art office, where you can enjoy an on‑site gym, restaurant and more of the perks you deserve. With up to two days at home, you’ll find the work/life balance you need to thrive.

What you’ll do

• Demonstrate confidence in making decisions involving multi‑million pound investments and formulating solutions to intricate challenges.
• Take charge of your categories and embrace responsibility and accountability for all aspects, from sample tasting to final approval of packaging design.
• Oversee the essential timeline from product conception to launch, ensuring stock is delivered on time.
• Negotiate at the highest echelons, interacting daily with Account Managers, Commercial and Managing Directors of the largest manufacturers in the UK.
• Present confidently to Buying Directors and Board Directors.
• Utilise keen analytical abilities to recognise trends, project sales and evaluate data to inform commercial decisions.
• Engage in negotiations to secure the most favourable commercial terms, with a strong commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes.
• Continuously seek to enhance customer offerings, driving improvement as an ongoing endeavour.
• Collaborate with fellow buyers and colleagues in other departments, while independently driving your own work.
• Report into one of the Heads of Buying as part of a team of buyers.

What you’ll need

• Experience working as a Buyer in the retail sector.
• Experience within food retail is desirable but not essential.
• Be passionate about the food retail industry.
• Common sense, pragmatic, logical and quick thinking are all the words people would use to describe you.
• An individual who demonstrates initiative, possesses an entrepreneurial mindset and exhibits proficient negotiation abilities.
• Exude presence, demonstrate confidence and hold firm belief in your ideas.
• Possession of a full UK driving licence.
• Already live – or happy to relocate – within a one‑hour commute of Lidl GB Head Office, Tolworth, Surrey.
• German language skills desirable but not essential.

What you’ll receive

• 35 days holiday (pro rata).
• 10% in‑store discount.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Plus, more of the perks you deserve.

Diversity Statement

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Join us to celebrate individuality and grow in a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Disclaimer

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.