Job Description
The Head of Retail Buying is responsible for overseeing all procurement activities related to retail hard goods. This role involves developing and implementing strategic purchasing initiatives, cultivating strong supplier relationships, and ensuring the timely, cost-effective acquisition of goods and services to support the division's retail objectives.
Responsibilities:
* Develop and implement purchasing strategies and policies to ensure cost-effective procurement of goods and services.
* Continually seek opportunities for growth within the relevant categories under control.
* Inspire and lead a high-performing buying team, setting clear goals, nurturing creativity providing guidance, training, performance evaluations, and driving continuous improvement.
* Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, and establish long-term relationships to ensure a reliable supply chain.
* Foster strong supplier relationships and negotiate commercial terms that support growth, efficiency, and innovation.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with retail, e-commerce, merchandising, Finance, and marketing teams to enhance the customer journey and product presentation and supply chain operations and efficiencies.
* Monitor market trends, pricing, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
* Oversee the purchase order process, ensuring accuracy, compliance with company policies, and timely delivery of goods and services.
* Manage inventory levels and optimize stock levels to minimize carrying costs while meeting production demands.
* Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions as necessary to maintain high-quality standards.
* Stay updated on industry regulations and best practices related to purchasing and supply chain management.
Requirements:
* A commercially driven leader with 10+ years in senior buying roles and a track record of driving growth.
* Experience in people management and performance management to include coaching and mentoring skills.
* Skilled in sourcing, supply chain, and inventory management.
* Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
* Strategic thinking & commercial acumen.
* Product category management expertise.
* Leadership, Management, and performance management.
* Relationship building and influencing skills.
* Results and solution orientation.
* Ethics & compliance focus.
* Digital fluency or Technology adoption to reflect modern procurement practices.
* Risk awareness & mitigation - Ability to anticipate and manage procurement and supply chain risks effectively.
Benefits:
Co-Op Superstores is committed to a work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and creates an open culture where everyone feels valued and can be themselves.
Co-Op Superstores believes that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace benefits the organisation.
Every employee brings their own experiences, background, work styles, capabilities, and personal characteristics to work and Co-Op Superstores aims to create an environment that encourages a culture of Bring your whole self to work.
Dairygold is an inclusive employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability.