At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead buying for delicious pastries, tapas, and party food while shaping customer experiences.
- Company: Join Asda, a beloved UK brand with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car allowance, and fantastic employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth and inclusion initiatives.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of festive celebrations and drive innovation in food trends.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for market trends.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Buying Manager looking for an opportunity to work with some of the UK’s best loved brands? We have an exciting opportunity for a Buying Manager to join our team here at Asda House on a maternity contract! From irresistible Hot Pies to vibrant Tapas and show‑stopping Party food, this is a role at the heart of how customers celebrate and entertain. You’ll work across indulgence, innovation and seasonal moments, shaping a category that’s as creative as it is commercial. A fast‑paced, flavour‑led brief where trends, craftsmanship and big moments come together.
As a Buying Manager, you will work collaboratively with key suppliers and with internal stakeholders alike in order to deliver sales, pricing and growth ahead of the market while helping to manage the category P&L. You will negotiate and deliver business plans as well as understand customers and implement strategies that meet their needs. You will also need to understand, track & negotiate around key commodities and deliver cost to serve programmes with suppliers to ensure great value for our customers.
About you
- Previous experience in a similar role
- Strong awareness of customer requirements, market trends and competitor ranges
- Ability to identify strategic opportunities and innovative product ideas
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence a diverse, branded supplier base.
Everything you'll love
To ensure we balance moments where we know we need to collaborate together and the need for flexibility, Asda has a hybrid way of working with a minimum 3 days a week in one of our Home Offices. Over and above this, each area of Asda may have additional requirements which may require spending more days in the office, visiting suppliers, stores or depots.
You will also get an excellent benefits package including:
- Discretionary company bonus
- Company pension up to 7% matched
- Company Car allowance of £5,700
- 15% colleague discount in store and online
- Free access to wellbeing services such as Stream, 24/7 virtual GP, counselling, health and dental cash plans and a 24/7 employee assistance helpline, alongside discounts across a range of services and activities, from airport parking to theme parks and cinemas.
- Asda Allies Inclusion Networks – helping colleagues to make sure everybody is included and that our differences are recognised and celebrated
- Excellent parental leave policies, including maternity & adoption leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave, and support for those doing fertility treatments.
We want all colleagues to be able to bring their best and true selves to work, every day. Simply put, we want our colleagues to be Proud to be Asda and proud to be themselves.
Buying Manager - Pastry, Tapas & Party food employer: Asda Stores
Contact Detail:
Asda Stores Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager - Pastry, Tapas & Party food
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Asda's latest products and trends in the pastry and party food market. Show us that you're not just passionate about food but also understand what makes our customers tick!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buying Manager, you'll need to influence suppliers and stakeholders. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Asda family.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager - Pastry, Tapas & Party food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in buying, negotiation skills, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for. Be sure to mention your understanding of market trends and customer needs.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, don’t just list your duties. Instead, showcase your achievements with specific examples. Did you negotiate a great deal or launch a successful product? We love numbers and results, so make them pop!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Asda Stores
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of pastries, tapas, and party food. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular products, and what makes them stand out. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely passionate about the category.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully influenced suppliers or stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your strategies and how they led to positive outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the key responsibilities of a Buying Manager effectively.
✨Understand Customer Needs
Research Asda's customer base and their preferences in the buying categories. Think about how you can align product offerings with customer expectations. During the interview, share insights on how you would approach understanding and meeting these needs.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to market trends or supplier negotiations. This will help you articulate your thought process clearly and confidently during the interview.