Head of Buying

JR United Kingdom; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic international retail eCommerce platform is seeking a Head of Buying for their Food/FMCG division based in London. This leadership role involves guiding a team of Category Managers, driving strategic decisions, and managing key supplier accounts. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the FMCG sector, demonstrating strong leadership and analytical skills. With a focus on transformation and automation, this is an exciting opportunity to shape buying strategies within a growing global business.

Benefits

15% discretionary bonus

Lucrative share options

Central London head office

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Category/Buying roles in FMCG or eCommerce.
• Experience leading teams while remaining hands-on in strategy.
• Managed P&L responsibilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Category Managers and implement buying strategies.
• Drive transformation and automation projects to increase productivity.
• Negotiate deals and manage relationships with key accounts.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Thinking

Strategic Decision-Making

Relationship Management

Data Analysis

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Quest Search & Selection is currently looking for a Head of Buying, leading a team of Category Managers for a Food/FMCG retailer.

The business is a leading retail eCommerce platform, specialised in consumer goods and food delivery. It offers an extensive range of products including household essentials, medication, pet care, office supplies, beauty, groceries, and fresh prepared food. This global business is experiencing growth and seeks an individual with established leadership & category management experience, combined with an analytical mindset, to deliver results via their team in a hands-on, scale-up tech environment.

Key responsibilities of this Head of Buying - Food/FMCG

• Lead a team of established Category Managers, formulating, structuring, and implementing processes & strategies for the buying team.
• Drive projects related to new transformation systems & automated processes to increase productivity.
• Monitor competitive price indices and implement appropriate pricing policies.
• Manage relationships with key accounts, ensuring adherence to cost prices, promotional activities, and service standards, whether with suppliers or wholesalers.
• Negotiate deals with key accounts and regional exclusives.
• Provide customer insights to optimize algorithmic buying decisions and testing for availability.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders & SLT on in-app merchandising to showcase products and align with the value proposition.
• Identify deviations from expectations and propose hypotheses for validation.

Key requirements of this Head of Buying - Food/FMCG

• Ideally 7+ years of experience in Category/Buying roles.
• Background in supermarkets, convenience stores, FMCG, or eCommerce food.
• Experience leading teams while remaining hands-on in strategy and decision-making.
• Experience leading transformation projects in similar environments is highly desirable.
• Open to candidates from early-stage start-ups, scale-ups, or established retail or FMCG backgrounds.
• Data-savvy and analytical, with a strong foundation in decision-making.
• Builder mentality, not just an executor.
• Managed P&L responsibilities of £40–80 million turnover preferred.
• High proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office.

Benefits for the Director of Buying & Supply Chain:

• Based at the central London head office.
• Expected to be in the office circa 3-4 days a week for visibility and team engagement.
• 15% discretionary bonus.
• Lucrative share options.
• Part of a growing global business.

This is a great opportunity to lead an entrepreneurial team and business. If interested, please apply with your CV today!