Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Category Managers in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join a leading global eCommerce platform specialising in food and consumer goods.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and lucrative share options.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing business that values innovation and teamwork.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in Category/Buying with leadership experience in FMCG or eCommerce.
- Other info: Central London office; hybrid work expected for team collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 92000 £ per year.
Quest Search & Selection are currently looking for a Head of Buying, leading a team of Category Managers for this Food/FMCG retailer. The business is a leading retail eCommerce platform, specialised in consumer goods and food delivery, offering an extensive range of products including household essentials, medication, pet care, office supplies, beauty, groceries, and even fresh prepared food. This global business is going through growth and is keen to look for an individual who has established leadership and category management experience with an analytical mindset.
Key responsibilities of this Head of Buying - Food/FMCG:
- Formulate, structure, implement process and lead a team for the ongoing strategy of the buying team.
- Lead projects regarding new transformation systems and automated processes to increase overall productivity.
- Monitor competitive price indices and implement pricing policies accordingly.
- Manage relationships with strategic key accounts, ensuring adherence to cost prices, promotional activities, and service standards.
- Negotiate deals when required, with key accounts and regional exclusives.
- Provide customer insights into algorithmic buying decisions and testing to optimise availability.
- Deal with internal stakeholders on in-app merchandising to consistently showcase the product range and alignment with the value proposition.
- Identify deviations from expectations and propose hypotheses for further validation.
Key requirements of this Head of Buying - Food/FMCG:
- Ideally having 7+ years within a Category/Buying background.
- Background in Supermarkets, Convenience, FMCG, or eCommerce food.
- Experience in leading teams while being hands-on in driving strategy and involved in reactive and strategic decision making.
- Experience in leading transformation projects within a similar environment is highly desirable.
- Open to those who have worked in an early-stage start-up/scale-up coupled with a blue-chip eCommerce or retail supermarket, household or FMCG background.
- Data-savvy, analytical individual that provides the foundations of decision making.
- Consider yourself a builder rather than just an executor.
- Managed P&L responsibility of £40–80 million turnover.
- High level Excel and Microsoft Office experience.
Benefits included for Director of Buying & Supply Chain:
- Salary £85,000 - £110,000.
- Central London head office.
- Expected to be based in head office circa 3-4 days a week.
- 15% discretionary bonus.
- Lucrative share options.
- Part of a wide global business that is going from strength to strength.
This is a great opportunity if you have the right skill sets to lead an entrepreneurial team and business. If this role is of interest, please do apply with your CV today!
Contact Detail:
Quest Search and Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the FMCG and eCommerce sectors. Understanding current market dynamics will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your analytical mindset and ability to lead a team effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in category management or buying roles. Engaging with others can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led transformation projects in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience and strategic decision-making will show that you're not just a builder but also an executor who can drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your Excel and data analysis skills, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to showcase your proficiency in handling large datasets and making data-driven decisions will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in category management and leadership. Emphasise your analytical skills and any transformation projects you've led, especially in the FMCG or eCommerce sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your experience in managing teams and driving strategy in a fast-paced environment.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of your achievements, such as successful negotiations, P&L management, or innovative projects that improved productivity. Use metrics to quantify your impact where possible.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Quest Search and Selection
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Buying, you'll be leading a team of Category Managers. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, focusing on how you've successfully managed teams and driven strategy in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
This role requires a data-savvy individual. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform buying decisions or optimise processes. Highlight any experience with competitive price monitoring and pricing policy implementation.
✨Discuss Transformation Projects
The company is looking for someone who has led transformation projects. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've managed, particularly those that involved automation or process improvements in a retail or eCommerce setting.
✨Prepare for High-Level Negotiations
Negotiation skills are crucial for this position. Think of instances where you've negotiated deals with key accounts or suppliers. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes of those negotiations.
