Buying Manager - Retail

Halmer Recruit; Burgh Heath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Staff discount 15%

Annual leave 29 days

Company pension

Training & development

Leadership role opportunity

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced Buying Manager to lead and develop a seven-person buying team within a growing retail business based in Bagshot, Surrey. This senior role combines strategic leadership with hands-on buying responsibilities to drive commercial performance and purchasing strategy.

You will work closely with Company Directors to implement structure, processes and KPIs, while remaining hands-on when required to support the team and cover buying duties.

Qualifications

• Strong background in retail buying, purchasing or procurement.
• Experience developing purchasing strategies, improving processes and introducing performance measures.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence working alongside Directors and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop an established team of seven buyers, providing day-to-day guidance and leadership.
• Introduce clear departmental structures, processes, KPIs and performance objectives.
• Monitor team performance, conduct annual reviews and support ongoing development of the buying team.
• Develop purchasing strategies aligned with wider commercial objectives.
• Oversee end-to-end buying and procurement process, ensuring efficiency and commercial value.
• Negotiate with suppliers, review terms and identify opportunities to improve margins and reduce costs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and brand representatives.

Skills

Retail buying

Leadership

Team management

Strategic thinking

Commercial awareness

Communication

Organisation

Excel

Education

Business Management/ Supply Chain/ Retail Management or CIPS (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Buying Manager - Retail

Location: Bagshot, Surrey
Salary: £60,000-£65,000 DOE
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: Flexible start times, with core hours of 9:30am-3:00pm

The Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced Buying Manager to join a successful, well-established retail business based in Bagshot, Surrey.

This is a newly created position offering an excellent opportunity for an experienced Buying Manager or ambitious Senior Buyer looking to take the next step in their career.

You will take responsibility for leading an established team of seven buyers, working closely with the Company Directors to introduce greater structure, develop purchasing strategies and drive commercial performance across the business.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strategic leadership with hands-on buying responsibilities, with the autonomy to make a genuine impact within a growing organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop an established team of seven buyers, providing day-to-day guidance, support and leadership.

• Introduce clear departmental structures, processes, KPIs and performance objectives.

• Work closely with Company Directors and senior management, acting as the main liaison between the buying function and wider business.

• Monitor team performance, conduct annual reviews and support the ongoing development of the buying team.

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with wider commercial objectives.

• Oversee the end-to-end buying and procurement process, ensuring efficiency and commercial value.

• Analyse trading performance, purchasing trends and market opportunities to support informed buying decisions.

• Negotiate with suppliers, review commercial terms and identify opportunities to improve margins and reduce costs.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and brand representatives.

• Support annual purchasing plans, budgets and departmental objectives.

• Remain hands-on within the buying function, stepping in to support the team and cover buying responsibilities when required.

• Drive accountability, consistency and continuous improvement across the department.

About You

We are looking for a commercially minded buying professional with strong leadership skills and the ability to bring structure, organisation and fresh ideas to an established team.

Ideally, you will have:

• A strong background in retail buying, purchasing or procurement, ideally with at least five years' experience.

• Previous experience managing, supervising or mentoring a buying or purchasing team.

• Experience developing purchasing strategies, improving processes and introducing performance measures.

• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to analyse trading performance, supplier costs, pricing and margins.

• Experience managing the full buying and procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, negotiation and supplier management.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence working alongside Directors and senior stakeholders.

• A proactive, organised and hands-on approach to leadership.

• Strong analytical, financial and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.

• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

• A relevant qualification in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Retail Management or CIPS would be advantageous.

Experience within a retail environment would be particularly beneficial, although candidates from other commercially focused buying and procurement backgrounds will also be considered.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary of £60,000-£65,000 depending on experience.

• Permanent, full-time position.

• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexible start times, with core working hours of 9:30am-3:00pm.

• Free onsite parking.

• 15% staff discount, increasing to 20% after five years' service.

• 29 days' annual leave including bank holidays, increasing with length of service.

• Company pension scheme.

• Training and development opportunities.

• Opportunity to shape a newly created leadership position within an established and growing business.

About the Business

Our client is a successful, family-run retail organisation with an established presence across the South East of England.

With six stores and over 700 employees, the business continues to grow while maintaining its commitment to quality, customer service and strong family values.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a real impact, working directly with the Company Directors to develop the buying function, support an experienced team and contribute to the company's continued commercial success.