As Buyer for Seasonal & General Merchandise, you will take full ownership of the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle—driving long-term strategic initiatives while delivering immediate business priorities. In this dynamic role, you will identify emerging market trends, develop innovative products, and build a resilient, diversified supply chain. You will negotiate competitive commercial terms, foster high-performing supplier partnerships, and collaborate cross-functionally to maximize value for Walgreens and its customers.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Strategic Sourcing & Product Development
- Identify, source, and develop new products aligned with market trends and customer buy briefs.
- Research and evaluate prospective suppliers and manufacturers across multiple regions.
- Lead RFP/RFQ processes, assess supplier proposals, and support final supplier selection decisions.
- Negotiate optimal commercial terms to secure the best balance of cost, quality, and value.
- Drive maximum synergy savings for Walgreens and enhance profit margins through cost optimization.
- Proactively monitor and analyze market trends, commodity prices, and competitor activity to identify cost drivers, new product opportunities, and savings initiatives.
Operational Excellence & Project Management
- Own end-to-end project management to ensure on-time delivery and achievement of corporate KPIs.
- Manage critical paths, conduct thorough risk assessments, and ensure strict adherence to operational metrics.
- Oversee the full execution cycle—from sourcing and development through production and final delivery.
- Ensure data accuracy and consistency across all systems and records.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive high operational performance and delivery standards.
- Drive supplier diversification initiatives, including expanding sourcing networks outside China to proactively mitigate supply chain and geopolitical risks.
- Resolve supplier performance issues, disputes, and claims in a timely and effective manner.
- Uphold ethical sourcing standards and ensure full compliance with corporate policies, sourcing SOPs, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Transformation
- Partner closely with cross-functional teams (Category, Owned Brand, Business Services) to ensure seamless execution and resolution of operational challenges.
- Assist in planning and executing international buying trips, and drive ad-hoc sourcing initiatives as business needs evolve.
- Support sourcing transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base.
Who we are looking for
- University graduate or equivalent qualification.
- Strong analytical and logical thinking with a commercial mindset.
- Minimun 3 years of hands-on sourcing experience.
- Experience in a sizeable buying office or manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
- Solid understanding of the US retail market, including regulatory requirements and product compliance.
- Established and strong supplier network across multiple regions.
Work location:
- Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Flexible working hours and additional holidays
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
Why Boots
The Boots Group is a trusted leader in healthcare, pharmacy and retail, with a 176-year legacy of serving communities. As a pharmacy-led health and beauty retail business, The Boots Group plays a vital role in local healthcare ecosystems, delivering accessible healthcare and trusted wellness products to communities across the world.
At Boots, we foster a working environment where consideration and inclusivity help everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, passionate about embracing the diversity of our colleagues and providing a positive and inclusive working environment for all. As the heart of everything we do at Boots, with you, we change for the better.