Buyer

Buyer – Wine & Spirits

Reporting to: Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 09:00 to 18:00 – Wednesday & Friday working from home.

Benefits: Pension, 23 Days Holiday, Life Assurance, Income Protection, Employee Assistance Programme, Christmas Off! Cycle to Work.

The City Recruiter is hiring on behalf of a prestigious client in the luxury drinks industry, seeking an experienced and commercially minded Buyer to lead their wine and spirits procurement strategy. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a premium retailer and private client platform, curating an exceptional selection of fine wines and spirits for a discerning clientele.

Operating from an exclusive Mayfair office with a dedicated tasting suite and client lounge overlooking Green Park, this role offers the chance to collaborate with industry-leading suppliers, activate premium brands, and drive a data-led, commercially successful buying strategy.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Buyer with a deep understanding of brand activation, supplier negotiations, and commercialising supplier agreements. 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

Buying & Supplier Management

1. Source and negotiate with premium and emerging wine and spirits brands.
2. Build strong supplier relationships to secure exclusive allocations and favourable commercial terms.
3. Ensure a balanced portfolio that aligns with brand positioning and customer demand.

Brand Activation & Commercialisation

1. Work closely with marketing and partnerships teams to activate key brands in meaningful ways.
2. Secure added-value opportunities within agreements, such as events, content, and co-branded initiatives.
3. Identify and leverage trends in the luxury wine and spirits space to drive commercial success.
4. Develop a demand-driven approach to stock management, minimising risk and ensuring optimal availability.
5. Collaborate with finance and logistics teams to monitor purchasing efficiency and maintain healthy margins.
6. Ensure forecasting and buying decisions are data-led, aligning with both retail and on-trade opportunities.
7. Maintain an awareness of the fine wine and spirits market, including trends in collectability and appreciation.
8. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify high-potential bottles or allocations.

Key Skills & Experience

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

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in shaping a leading wine and spirits business, working at the heart of the industry in one of London's most prestigious locations. If you have a passion for fine wines, commercial expertise, and a flair for supplier negotiations, we want to hear from you!

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Manufacturing, Finance, and Supply Chain

Industries

Food and Beverage Services, Financial Services, and Food and Beverage Manufacturing