Senior Buyer - 39 hours per week - Handforth Support Office

TN United Kingdom; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Buyer to join their dynamic team in Handforth. This role offers the opportunity to lead a team while managing supplier relationships and negotiating terms to meet sales and margin targets. You'll play a critical role in developing strategies that align with commercial functions and drive category innovation. With a focus on collaboration and stakeholder engagement, this position promises professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment. If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

• Significant FMCG buying experience at a senior level.
• Strong representation skills with stakeholders and partners.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a dynamic team to achieve sales and margin targets.
• Negotiate supplier terms and manage relationships.
• Develop category strategies aligned with business goals.

Skills

FMCG Buying Experience

Supplier Negotiation

Commercial Judgment

Stakeholder Management

Budget Management

Leadership Skills

Strategic Planning

Communication Skills

Job description

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Senior Buyer - 39 hours per week - Handforth Support Office, Handforth

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Client:

Pets at Home Group Plc

Location:

Handforth, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

540994bab0b6

Job Views:

5

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

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Job Description:

Description

Join our Team as a Senior Buyer!

We’re looking for a Senior Buyer to work on a hybrid basis out of our Support Office in Handforth, Cheshire (three days in the office and two from home). National and international travel will also be required.

About the role

As a Senior Buyer, you’ll lead a highly dynamic team and have full responsibility for day-to-day sales and margin targets for one of our largest retail sales categories. You’ll be the lead contact for supplier relationships, negotiating and agreeing annual trading terms in line with targets.

This is a challenging role, working at pace and ensuring all voices are listened to and considered. You’ll need to balance the priorities of stakeholders and suppliers.

Joining a supportive team, you'll gain insights into cross-functional operations. It’s an exciting opportunity to empower your professional growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing category and supplier strategies aligned with the Commercial function
• Delivering comprehensive trading and promotional plans to meet business targets, managing online and in-store ranges for maximum relevance
• Measuring and achieving key performance metrics such as sales, margin, market share, and terms targets
• Using data and insights to drive category development, innovation, and new initiatives
• Collaborating with Supply teams and suppliers to optimize customer availability and stock levels
• Aligning with Merchandising to maximize in-store opportunities and ROI
• Working with Own Brand, Technical, NPD, and Sourcing teams to develop consumer-focused ranges and meet sales and margin targets
• Negotiating supplier terms to achieve margin and profit goals
• Managing relationships with suppliers within your remit
• Planning and executing trading negotiations for profit delivery
• Leading and developing the Category team and contributing to broader Commercial leadership

About you

You should have significant FMCG buying experience, ideally at a senior level, with a broad understanding of related functions like Marketing, Retail Operations, and eCommerce.

You must demonstrate sound commercial judgment, prioritize effectively, and communicate decisions promptly. Building strong relationships internally and with suppliers, maintaining a customer-centric approach, and staying adaptable in a fast-changing market are essential.

Additional skills and experience include:

• Managing budgets and supplier income streams
• Line management, coaching, and mentoring
• Creating strategic plans and forecasts
• Developing and sourcing own brand products
• Strong representation skills with stakeholders and partners
• High commercial awareness, resilience, and ownership of a leading category
• Experience in supplier negotiations
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills

Pets see people. We value diversity and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, especially if you believe you can contribute uniquely through your values and behaviors.