Senior Buyer

Advocate Group; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Buyer for Wine & Spirits to join their dynamic team. This strategic role involves leading product strategies and driving commercial success while managing supplier relationships and mentoring junior team members. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in commercial buying, particularly in retail or the alcohol industry, with excellent negotiation skills and a passion for wine. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced market, contributing to both short-term performance and long-term growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a commercial buying role, preferably in retail or alcohol.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record of meeting financial targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead buying strategy for assigned product categories and manage supplier relationships.
• Use data and market trends to shape a compelling product range.

Skills

Commercial Buying Experience

Negotiation Skills

Supplier Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership Experience

Passion for Wine

Education

WSET Level 3 or higher

Job description

Job Description

Senior Buyer – Wine & Spirits

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.

Call: 0151 209 2055

Email: [e-mail]

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