Team Lead Vendor Management / Senior Buyer (all genders)

zooplus; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the pet eCommerce sector is seeking a Team Lead Vendor Management. This role offers the chance to lead a dynamic team, optimize vendor relationships, and shape product strategies that resonate with customers. With a hybrid work setup, you will enjoy a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the company's growth. If you have a passion for product management and a drive for innovation, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join us to make a significant impact in the pet industry and foster a culture of excellence and teamwork.

Benefits

20% discount in zooplus shop

Internal and external training

Team events

SimplyHealth Cash Plan

Group Life Insurance

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in Vendor Management or Purchasing.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills for strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of vendor management professionals.
• Develop and implement product range strategies aligned with business goals.

Skills

Vendor Management

Category Management

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

Graduate degree in business-related discipline

Tools

MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

ERP systems

Job description

Team Lead Vendor Management / Senior Buyer (all genders)

Join to apply for the Team Lead Vendor Management / Senior Buyer (all genders) role at zooplus

Company Description
More than 20 years ago, zooplus was one of the first to bring the pet category into the world of eCommerce. Today, we stand strong as Europe’s leading online pet platform, delivering moments of happiness to more than 9 million pet parents each year.
We are on a mission to create joy for pets and their parents, driven by our core values of Care, Courage, Openness, and Simplicity. These values inspire us to grow, raise the bar for our customers, and foster a pet-first business.

Job Description

The primary mission of the Team Lead Vendor Management in the UK is to manage and optimize vendor relationships, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and services aligned with the company’s strategic goals. This role involves managing a team of 2 vendor managers, fostering strong supplier relationships, and driving performance improvements through negotiation, risk management, and continuous supplier performance monitoring.

Why join us?

In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact within a fast-growing company, with ample career development opportunities. You will shape product offerings and strategies in the pet industry that resonate with customers and differentiate us from competitors. If you are passionate about product management, leading high-performing teams, and driving innovation, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and inspire a team of vendor management professionals. Set goals, monitor performance, and provide feedback to foster growth and productivity.
• Product Strategy Development: Develop, implement, and control a product range strategy aligned with business goals and market demands.
• Assortment Management: Define and select an assortment aligned with the strategy, making data-driven decisions for listing and delisting products.
• Lifecycle Management: Manage the product lifecycle for optimal performance and continuous improvement.
• Supplier Acquisition & Negotiation: Identify and acquire new suppliers and brands. Negotiate promotions and budgets to maximize profitability.
• Performance Optimization: Monitor and analyze assortment performance using KPIs to inform strategic decisions.
• Market & Competitor Analysis: Conduct regular analyses to anticipate market shifts and identify opportunities.
• Pricing Strategy: Collaborate with the pricing manager to establish competitive pricing for new products.
• Sales Planning & Product Presentation: Manage sales forecasts and ensure attractive product presentation.
• Project Management: Drive and manage strategic projects, ensuring timely execution and alignment with business goals.
• Collaboration: Promote cross-departmental collaboration, including Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a business-related discipline
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in Vendor Management, Category Management, or Purchasing, preferably in FMCG, retail, or e-commerce
• Leadership experience managing and developing teams
• Strong negotiation and communication skills for strategic partnerships
• Analytical mindset with data-driven decision-making skills
• Excellent organizational and project management skills in a fast-paced environment
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus
• Industry knowledge in pet, retail, or FMCG sectors
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with ERP systems and data analysis tools is advantageous

Additional Information

With over 1,000 professionals across 6 European offices, we value teamwork and leverage our international strengths. The role offers a hybrid work setup: 60% in-office, 40% remote.

Our benefits include:

• 20% discount in our zooplus shop
• Internal and external training
• Team events
• SimplyHealth Cash Plan
• Group Life Insurance

We are committed to diversity and inclusion.