Buying Manager - Retail

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Staff discount

23–29 days annual leave

Company pension

Training and development

Job summary

Halmer Recruit is seeking an experienced Buying Manager to join a growing retail business in Bagshot, Surrey. The role leads a team of seven buyers and drives purchasing strategies to boost commercial performance.

You will work closely with Company Directors, shaping processes and KPIs, while remaining hands-on in buying. Flexible start times and core hours support a balanced schedule in a busy retail environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in retail buying, purchasing or procurement.
• Experience leading and developing a buying team.
• Proven ability to develop purchasing strategies and improve processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop an established team of seven buyers.
• Define departmental structure, KPIs and performance objectives.
• Collaborate with Directors and senior management as the main liaison for buying.
• Monitor performance with annual reviews and ongoing development.
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with commercial goals.
• Oversee end-to-end buying and procurement for efficiency and value.
• Analyze trading performance and supplier costs to inform decisions.
• Negotiate with suppliers and review terms to improve margins and costs.
• Build strong supplier relationships and manage key accounts.
• Support annual purchasing plans and departmental objectives.

Skills

Retail buying

Leadership

Negotiation

Excel

Education

CIPS beneficial

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.