Wine and Spirits Buyer

House of Decant is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Buyer to lead our wine and spirits procurement strategy. This role requires a deep understanding of buying, brand activation, and commercialising supplier agreements, ensuring a dynamic and profitable portfolio. The ideal candidate will have strong industry relationships, a keen eye for trends, and the ability to manage stock efficiently, keeping holding levels low while maximising availability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Buying & Supplier Management
   • Source and negotiate with premium and emerging wine and spirits brands.
   • Build strong supplier relationships to secure exclusive allocations and favourable commercial terms.
   • Ensure a balanced portfolio that aligns with House of Decant's positioning and customer demand.
2. Brand Activation & Commercialisation
   • Work closely with marketing and partnerships teams to activate key brands in meaningful ways.
   • Secure added-value opportunities within agreements, such as events, content, and co-branded initiatives.
   • Identify and leverage trends in the luxury wine and spirits space to drive commercial success.
   • Develop a demand-driven approach to stock management, minimising risk and ensuring optimal availability.
   • Collaborate with finance and logistics teams to monitor purchasing efficiency and maintain healthy margins.
   • Ensure forecasting and buying decisions are data-led, aligning with both retail and on-trade opportunities.
3. Market Insight & Investment Awareness (Light Touch)
   • Maintain an awareness of the fine wine and spirits market, including trends in collectability and appreciation.
   • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify high-potential bottles or allocations.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in wine and spirits buying, preferably within luxury distribution.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to structure deals that drive margin and sales growth.
• Knowledge of brand-building, activations, and how to leverage supplier partnerships.
• Excellent industry relationships and a track record of securing competitive agreements.
• Data-driven mindset with a focus on stock efficiency and demand planning.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a focus on agility and innovation.