Category Buyer

Insight Select; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading spirits retailer in London is seeking an experienced Category Buyer to manage the spirits category. This role involves sourcing, negotiating, and building supplier relationships to develop a profitable range. Candidates must have proven spirits purchasing experience and a strong commercial acumen. The position offers a salary of £70,000 along with benefits, including a flexible work-from-home option and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Staff discount

Access to exclusive product launches

Qualifications

• Proven experience purchasing spirits is essential.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering margin growth.
• Skilled negotiator with supplier partnership experience.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase across the spirits category.
• Manage relationships with global brands and niche producers.
• Build a balanced and profitable range reflecting customer trends.

Skills

Spirits purchasing experience

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Analytical mindset

Understanding of spirits market

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Category Buyer - Spirits | Location: London | 1 day WFH | Salary: £70,000 + Benefits

The Opportunity

I''m partnered with a leading spirits retailer who is seeking an experienced Category Buyer. This role is critical to their growth and requires someone who has already managed spirits purchasing at scale. If you don''t have direct buying experience within the spirits category, this role will not be the right fit.

The Role

As Category Buyer, you''ll take full ownership of the spirits category — from sourcing and negotiating to range management and supplier partnerships. Your expertise will shape a commercially strong, innovative range that excites customers and delivers results.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase across the spirits category, securing competitive terms and exclusive deals.
• Manage supplier relationships with both global brands and niche producers.
• Build a balanced, profitable range that reflects customer trends and market opportunities.
• Analyse category performance and market insights to drive commercial decisions.
• Negotiate promotions and seasonal campaigns to maximise sales and margin.
• Partner with marketing, category management, and supply chain to ensure flawless execution.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience purchasing spirits is essential—applications without this will not be considered.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering margin growth.
• Skilled negotiator with experience managing supplier partnerships.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and trends.
• Passion for the drinks industry and a deep understanding of the spirits market.

What’s on Offer

• £70,000 salary + benefits
• 1 day per week WFH
• Career development opportunities in a fast-growing business
• Staff discount and access to exclusive product launches