At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic sourcing and negotiate with suppliers for the best value.
- Company: Join Asda, a leading retail company with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and fantastic perks.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising costs and enhancing supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a highly motivated and analytical Strategic Buying Manager to drive strategic sourcing and support key supplier negotiations, ensuring the best value for ASDA and our customers. The role is crucial in ensuring we track and unlock value from input cost movements (e.g. food ingredients). The role will focus on identifying opportunities to lower cost, supporting our commercial colleagues through negotiation preparation and execution, and providing data-driven insights to BU superusers and other key business stakeholders through the effective leveraging and ownership of data.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Lead and support sourcing initiatives as part of the COGS optimisation programme, including supplier negotiation approaches, bespoke supplier analysis, and counter‑offer appraisal across Own Brand and Branded opportunities.
- Data Analysis & Insights: Leverage data to inform commodity analysis and negotiation leverage including historical trends of raw materials, value added costs, and actual costs, while overseeing quality and accuracy of data in the tool. Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights informing sourcing strategies and supporting negotiations across all categories.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Confidently present analytical findings, recommendations, and dashboard reporting to a diverse range of internal stakeholders, including commercial, finance, and operational teams, while collating feedback to continuously enhance approaches.
Qualifications
- Buying & Negotiation Experience: Demonstrable track record in a buying, procurement, or sourcing role, with strong negotiation skills and understanding of supplier relationship management.
- Analytical Acumen: Highly analytical with proficiency in MS Excel and a solid understanding of financial information analysis. Comfortable with interpreting data and dashboards.
- Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex analysis clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Commercial Awareness: A keen understanding of market dynamics and commercial drivers within Asda and our supplier base.
Benefits
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, enhanced 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.
Strategic Buying Manager in Leeds employer: ASDA
Asda is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including a discretionary company bonus, generous pension contributions, and access to wellbeing services. With a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility and collaboration, employees can thrive in a supportive environment that values diversity through initiatives like the Asda Allies Inclusion Networks. This role as a Strategic Buying Manager not only allows you to leverage your analytical skills but also provides opportunities to engage with key stakeholders, making a meaningful impact on the company's sourcing strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buying Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Asda on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising your negotiation skills. Since the role is all about strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations, think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your analytical prowess and negotiation success.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your data skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles. Bring along some examples of how your insights led to cost savings or improved supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Asda team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buying Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Buying Manager role. Highlight your buying and negotiation experience, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills. We want to see how you can bring value to ASDA!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of your past successes in sourcing and negotiations that align with what we’re looking for.
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since data analysis is key for this position, make sure to mention your proficiency in MS Excel and any relevant tools you've used. We love seeing how you can turn complex data into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASDA
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Buying Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions. Prepare examples of how you've translated complex data into actionable insights.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is key in this role, so think about your past experiences. Be prepared to share specific examples where you successfully negotiated terms with suppliers. Highlight your approach and the outcomes, showing how you can bring value to Asda.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
You'll be presenting to various teams, so practice articulating your findings clearly. Use simple language to explain complex concepts, and prepare to answer questions from both technical and non-technical audiences. This will show your communication prowess.
✨Stay Updated on Market Trends
Demonstrate your commercial awareness by researching current market dynamics relevant to Asda. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations. Showing that you're proactive about industry knowledge will impress your interviewers.
