Senior Buyer - Cook & Dine

Ocado Retail Ltd; Hatfield; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocado Retail Ltd is seeking a Senior Buyer for their Cook & Dine category, responsible for managing category performance and supplier relationships. Ideal candidates will have extensive retail buying experience, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for homewares. This role offers hybrid working options and excellent career growth at the world's largest online supermarket.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Mental health support

Gym discounts

26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

15% Ocado discount

20% M&S discount

EV leasing

Qualifications

• Experienced retail buyer with senior-level expertise.
• Proficient in Excel, with experience in handling customer, transactional, or financial data.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the category P&L and deliver against KPIs.
• Negotiate with suppliers to deliver market-leading plans aligned with customer strategies.
• Analyze performance data to identify issues and opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation

Data Analysis

Project Management

Leadership

Tools

Excel

Job description

Vacancy Name: Senior Buyer - Cook & Dine

Vacancy No: VN976

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)

Working hours per week: 40 hours

Level: Manager

Application closing date: 3rd July 2025

About us

Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivaled service, and good value.

We’re Ocado Retail, a joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket. Ocado.com is the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online and offers the widest online supermarket range in the UK, championing small, independent brands. We’re also behind Ocado Now, our same-day grocery delivery service.

About the team and the role

As a Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for a specified category within the commercial buying team, ensuring your supply base and product range are optimized. You will use data and analysis proactively to maximize performance, drive sales, profitability, and share growth, supporting Ocado Retail’s overall strategy.

Cook and Dine are our largest categories, including brands with room for innovation and trend-setting. This role is within our Your Home team, a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.

What you’ll do

1. Manage the category P&L and deliver against KPIs.
2. Conduct category reviews to refine range and align with business strategy, supporting L2s and Commercial Associates.
3. Plan and execute trade, promotions, and events.
4. Identify opportunities to increase customer penetration and improve margins through negotiations.
5. Negotiate with suppliers to deliver market-leading plans aligned with customer and category strategies.
6. Analyze performance data to identify issues and opportunities, devising solutions.
7. Source first-to-market and exclusive products based on customer, market, and supplier insights.
8. Ensure range changes align with category and business strategies.
9. Collaborate with merchandise planning and suppliers to ensure optimal product availability.
10. Create plans to mitigate potential supply issues.
11. Work with suppliers and quality teams to meet product quality standards.
12. Adhere to all policies, protocols, and complete required training to avoid GSCOP breaches, recording all agreements in writing.
13. Act with integrity and due diligence, following the Business Code of Conduct.

Who you are

1. Experienced retail buyer with senior-level expertise.
2. Proven leadership and team management skills.
3. Passionate about retail and homewares.
4. Proficient in Excel, with experience in handling customer, transactional, or financial data.
5. Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
6. Excellent project management and data analysis capabilities.

We welcome candidates with a curious mindset, a passion for learning, and adaptable skills, even if not all criteria are met.

What’s in it for you

Join Ocado Retail to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with innovative colleagues, and grow your career.

Benefits include:

• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, Digital GP, family policies, mental health support, gym discounts, dental insurance, etc.
• Spend & Save: Bonus scheme, recognition platform, up to 7% pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast, EV leasing, shuttle bus.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, holiday purchase options, work from anywhere, lifestyle breaks.

Our Hiring Process

We value all applications and follow a fair process. Selected candidates will have a conversation with our Talent Partners.

Everyone’s welcome

We are an equal opportunities employer. Please inform us if you need reasonable adjustments during recruitment.