Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer - Food & Drink
Location: Office-based (5 days per week)

We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Buyer to join our team, playing a pivotal role in shaping our Food & Drink assortment and driving exceptional value for our customers. With responsibility for managing two direct reports, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced retail environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Identify and address gaps in our product range by sourcing new products aligned with our value-focused unique selling proposition (USP).
2. Lead negotiations with major brands and direct suppliers to secure the best pricing and maximise profit margins.
3. Manage the implementation of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and trading terms with suppliers to enhance efficiency and build strong relationships.
4. Improve supplier payment terms to enhance cash flow and support business growth.
5. Secure clearance and residual stock deals to drive margin growth and improve profitability.
6. Develop direct relationships with major brands, while sourcing clearance products from European and UK traders.
7. Lead the creation of seasonal product assortments to maintain competitiveness within the market.
8. Continuously monitor competitor pricing and trends to ensure our position remains strong.
9. Drive promotional funding to support in-store placements and promotional strategies.
10. Enhance Order Delivery Rates (ORD) and negotiate better rebate terms to boost supplier contributions.
11. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to launch new products and optimise inventory management.
12. Effectively manage stock levels, reducing shrinkage while ensuring availability of key products.
13. Streamline purchasing processes to improve efficiency and reduce stock cover at distribution centres.

What We're Looking For:

1. Proven experience as a Senior Buyer, ideally within the value retail sector, with a focus on Food & Drink.
2. Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing profitable deals.
3. Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to build direct relationships with major brands and suppliers.
4. The ability to work independently and make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
5. Strong analytical skills and an eye for detail, coupled with a solid understanding of market dynamics.
6. A proactive and solutions-focused approach to identifying and solving problems.

Why Join Us?

1. A chance to manage a £40 million turnover with substantial responsibility and autonomy.
2. Opportunity to shape the future of our Food & Drink range and drive profitability.
3. A supportive and dynamic work environment with opportunities for career progression.

If you're a driven, strategic, and experienced Senior Buyer ready to make a tangible impact, apply today to take your career to the next level with us!

BBBH33016