Food Buyer

VanRath; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A thriving Food Retail Services company seeks an Assistant Trading Manager to optimize their product portfolio and pricing strategies. Located in Belfast with a hybrid working model, this permanent role offers a competitive salary plus bonuses and progression opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess strong data analysis skills and a proven track record in the fast-paced food retail sector.

Benefits

Bonus

Allocation of additional benefits

Progression opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience as a buyer managing categories or product portfolios in the food retail/wholesale industry.
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation.
• Proven track record of delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Review product range regularly using best practice category management principles.
• Develop category management plans to optimize sales and profitability.
• Analyze competitor pricing and supplier costs to ensure market-aligned customer offers.

Skills

Data analysis

Category management

Negotiation

Market research

Job description

Fantastic opportunity for a Assistant Trading Manager to join a thriving Food Retail Services / FMCG company (a company with a multi-billion turnover).

This company values its staff highly and is considered one of the best places to work.

This role will be based in Belfast - Dargan Crescent - Hybrid working - Permanent.

Salary

Negotiable + Bonus + Additional Benefits, Perks & Progression Opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Review product range regularly, reflecting best practice category management principles, informed by market and consumer research, marketing, sales input, and supplier innovations.
• Develop and communicate category management plans to all departments and customers, ensuring understanding, buy-in, and implementation to optimize sales and profitability.
• Create detailed range rationalization and refreshment plans aligned with review processes and calendars.
• Develop seasonal supply plans to meet demand fluctuations.
• Monitor product performance in volume, margin, and market share; take appropriate actions to meet targets.
• Analyze competitor pricing and supplier costs to ensure market-aligned customer offers.
• Negotiate purchase prices and supply terms in line with company policies.
• Balance costs, discounts, bonuses, rebates, promotions, and activity to position the brand as a quality, value-for-money offer.

The Ideal Person:

• At least 1 year of experience as a buyer managing categories or product portfolios in the food retail/wholesale industry.
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation.
• Proven track record of delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

For more information or to apply, please contact Jack Groves via Vanrath in confidence.

Vanrath is highly regarded as a great place to work. Feedback from candidates highlights their professionalism, personalized service, and long-term career focus, with special mention of Ross Stevenson for his excellent support.