Senior Food Buyer Role
We are seeking a senior food buyer to lead the development of our designated category, engage with customers and suppliers, and work cross-functionally with various teams.
Job Description:
This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a dynamic business. The successful candidate will have responsibility for reviewing our product range on a regular basis, based on best practice category management principles, informed by market and consumer research, retailer, marketing and sales department input, and supplier innovations.
Responsibilities:
* Develop seasonal supply plans to meet anticipated demand uplifts and downturns
* Manage the sourcing and introduction of Own Brand products in conjunction with the product development teams to enhance margins
* Develop annual plans and budgets based on defined strategy
* Monitor the performance of all products in terms of volume, margin contribution, and market share, taking appropriate steps as necessary to achieve category targets
* Negotiate purchase price, supply terms and conditions, and supplier income in line with company policies and guidelines
* Drive New Product Development (NPD) initiatives in collaboration with product development, marketing, and supply teams, ensuring new products meet market trends, consumer needs, and profitability objectives
* Develop detailed promotional strategies and plans to optimise revenue and margin opportunities
* Set wholesale and retail selling prices and monitor portfolio and product margins to ensure that profitability objectives for both the company and customers are being met
* Develop excellent long-term supplier and customer relationships
Requirements:
* Minimum of 2 years' experience working within a buying/trading team
* Sound category management experience within the food retail/wholesale industry
* Previous people management experience
* Strong commercial acumen and customer focus
* Systematic problem-solving skills
* Excellent negotiation & numeracy skills
* Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft package in particular Excel
Benefits:
* A competitive salary
* A bonus scheme
* Agile working
* Pension
* Life assurance
* Staff discount
For this exciting role, we are looking for someone who is highly motivated, has excellent communication skills, and can work well under pressure.