Head of Buying

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

Job summary

A leading retail eCommerce platform is seeking a Head of Buying to lead a team in the Food/FMCG sector. This role requires a seasoned leader with extensive category management experience and a data-driven approach to decision-making, aimed at driving results in a dynamic, growth-shaped environment.

Benefits

15% discretionary bonus

Lucrative share options

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in a Category/Buying role.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing P&L responsibilities of £40–80 million turnover.
• Background in supermarkets, FMCG, or eCommerce.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Category Managers.
• Implement strategies and processes for the buying team.
• Negotiate deals with key accounts.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Leadership

Data-savvy

Building mindset

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office suite

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 is seeking an individual with established leadership and category management experience, an analytical mindset, and the ability to deliver results through 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 for the ongoing strategy of the buying team.
• Lead projects related to new transformation systems and automated processes to increase productivity.
• Monitor competitive price indices and implement pricing policies accordingly.
• 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 into algorithmic buying decisions and testing to optimise product availability.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and SLT on in-app merchandising to showcase the product range and align with the company's value proposition.
• Identify deviations from expectations and propose hypotheses for further validation.

Key requirements of this Head of Buying - Food/FMCG

• Ideally 7+ years of experience in a Category/Buying role.
• Background in supermarkets, convenience stores, FMCG, or eCommerce food.
• Experience leading teams while remaining hands-on in strategy development and decision-making.
• Experience leading transformation projects in a similar environment is highly desirable.
• Experience in early-stage start-ups, scale-ups, or with a blue-chip eCommerce or retail supermarket, household, or FMCG company.
• Data-savvy and analytical, providing a solid foundation for decision-making.
• A builder mindset, focused on creation and development rather than just execution.
• Managed P&L responsibilities of £40–80 million turnover preferred.
• High proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office suite.

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 that is strengthening its market position.

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