Senior Buyer

JR United Kingdom; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Buyer to drive product strategy and commercial success. This hybrid role involves leading buying strategies, managing supplier relationships, and mentoring team members. With a focus on innovation and agility, you will shape a compelling product range and contribute to long-term growth. If you have a passion for wine and a proven track record in commercial buying, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic market. Join a company that values expertise and offers opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a commercial buying role, preferably in retail or alcohol.
• Strong commercial acumen with proven financial target delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead buying strategy and manage supplier relationships.
• Shape product range using data and market trends.

Skills

Commercial Buying Experience

Negotiation Skills

Supplier Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Team Leadership

Education

WSET Level 3

Job description

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Location: Watford (Hybrid – 3 days in the office)

Our client is one of the UK’s leading specialist wine retailer, with an unmatched product range and a nationwide presence. They are looking for an experienced and commercially astute Senior Buyer to join their Buying team at a critical time in a fast-moving market.

The Role

As Senior Buyer, you’ll play a key role in shaping the product strategy and driving commercial success across core categories. This is a strategic position with responsibility for both short-term performance and long-term growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the buying and selling strategy for your assigned product categories
• Using data, customer insights and market trends to shape a compelling, differentiated range
• Managing and developing supplier relationships, including high-level commercial negotiations
• Taking full accountability for sales, margin, and supplier income targets
• Collaborating cross-functionally with teams across Marketing, Retail, Supply Chain and more
• Identifying new product opportunities and leading international sourcing trips
• Mentoring and supporting Buyers and Buying Assistants to develop capability across the team
• Contributing to wider business projects and continuous improvement initiatives

About You

We’re looking for a confident, driven individual with a deep understanding of buying and a passion for great product.

You’ll bring:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a commercial buying role (retail, grocery or alcohol industry preferred)
• Strong commercial acumen with proven ability to deliver against financial targets
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills
• Passion for wine – WSET Level 3 or higher is desirable
• A strategic mindset with the ability to operate hands-on when needed
• Experience mentoring or leading team members
• Strong communication, analytical and collaboration skills
• Willingness to travel internationally for sourcing and supplier meetings

If you’re ready to make an impact in a business that values expertise, innovation and agility, we’d love to hear from you.

The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy