Head of Buying Job Description Template
Our company is looking for a Head of Buying to join our team.
Responsibilities:
- Work closely with suppliers, building long term sustainable business plans to ensure optimal commercial return and exclusivity where appropriate;
- Being the figure head for the largest category in the business, updating all business units and partners on performance, direction and strategy;
- Review levels of own brand stock & ensure adequate levels are available and minimise risk;
- Presenting reports, figures & trend information to the Senior Management team;
- Manage a Team of Buyers;
- Analyse market trends and competitor activity;
- Working with the own brand development team to ensure new products adhere to department business plans;
- Building & maintaining strong relationships with large FMCG suppliers;
- Dealing and resolving escalated Grocery supplier queries;
- Sourcing suppliers & negotiating best cost prices;
- Work closely with the other in-house teams so everybody is cohesive to building the ranges that are fitting with the ‘handwriting’
- Identify promotional opportunities;
- Create and instil a buying strategy;
- Follow through the sign off process, in line with the critical path and planning cycle;
- Hold suppliers and trend meetings.
Requirements:
- Excellent understanding of all MS Office products including advanced Excel;
- Proven experience as Senior Buyer / Category Buyer Manager / Buying Manager within a fast paced, FMCG environment preferably Fresh / Frozen food;
- Ability to influence and negotiate effectively;
- Good level of education, degree is preferable;
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to liaise effectively at all levels;
- Good working knowledge of budgets and managing conflicting projects;
- Able to adapt swiftly in a fast paced, ever changing FMCG market;
- Analytical;
- Trends;
- Buying.