Senior Buying Manager - Fresh Produce

Rise Resourcing; Wirral; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Healthcare

Incentives

Job summary

Rise Resourcing is assisting a major food retailer in the North West to recruit a Senior Buying Manager. You will own the Fresh Produce category strategy, shaping commercially driven plans that enhance sales, profitability and market competitiveness.

You will source and onboard suppliers, negotiate terms, manage promotions and ensure pricing integrity across agreements. The role demands strong negotiation, supplier management and end-to-end category leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience in Buying or Trading within FMCG retail.
• Ability to manage a category end-to-end with autonomy.
• Knowledge of Fresh Produce or chilled foods is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the category strategy to drive sales and margin.
• Source and onboard suppliers while strengthening partnerships.
• Negotiate costs and trading terms and manage promotions.
• Lead pricing, contracts and promotional planning to meet objectives.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

End-to-end ownership

Job description

A major food retailer and wholesaler in the North West is seeking a Senior Buying Manager to lead the Buying and Category strategy for one of their core Fresh Produce divisions. The business is well known for the strength of its ranges, its customer‑first approach and the way it invests in and develops its people.

About the Role

You will take full ownership of a commercially critical category, shaping and delivering a strategy that drives sales, profit and long‑term competitiveness. Using strong market insight and product knowledge, you’ll build a compelling fresh produce offer, sourcing and onboarding new suppliers while strengthening existing partnerships. The role includes negotiating cost prices and trading terms, driving innovation across own‑label, and working closely with UK and international suppliers. You’ll also oversee promotional planning and in‑season execution, ensuring pricing, contracts and commercial files are accurate and aligned with business objectives.

About You

You’ll bring solid Buying or Trading experience from the FMCG retail sector and be confident managing a category end‑to‑end with autonomy. We will consider applicants with Produce (Fruit & Vegetables) experience as well as chilled food backgrounds. You’ll have a proven ability to build supplier relationships, deliver category strategy and drive commercial performance. You’ll be accountable for margin, profitability and competitive positioning, ensuring the business stays ahead of market trends and customer expectations. Strong negotiation skills and sharp commercial judgement are essential.

What’s in it for You

The role offers a competitive salary, plus a comprehensive benefits package including relocation assistance, healthcare and a range of additional incentives. You’ll be joining a fast‑growing, forward‑thinking organisation where you’ll have the freedom to make a meaningful impact.