Retail Buyer
We have an exciting opportunity to join our Commercial Procurement team, based within the UK's number 1 zoo. As part of the team, the Retail Buyer will be responsible for sourcing and managing products across Chester Zoo, ensuring we have the right products, at the right time and at the right commercial value.
The Role
Leading a small team, you will manage the day-to-day buying process, from sourcing products and suppliers through to purchasing, stock management and analysing commercial performance. You'll work closely with our Commercial teams, Finance and Warehouse Management Team to ensure we have the right stock available to meet customer demand, whilst delivering against sales, margin and profit objectives.
You will also play an important role in developing our product ranges, managing supplier relationships and identifying opportunities for new products and commercial growth. The role will work alongside our Commercial Buyer, providing the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of commercial buying across the organisation (e.g. food & beverage, online, other commercial areas), and may support in these areas from time to time.
You will:
• Source and develop new products and ranges across Retail, with some crossover into F&B categories.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and commercial terms, and ensure suppliers meet agreed commercial, quality, service and sustainability requirements.
• Plan purchasing and stock requirements, using sales trends, forecasts and trading patterns to ensure product availability whilst managing stock investment effectively.
• Analyse sales, margin, profitability and stock performance to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Work closely with the Warehouse Management Team to maintain accurate stock levels, stock valuation and effective inventory management.
• Support tender and competitive sourcing exercises by providing category knowledge, product specifications, supplier information and commercial evaluation.
The Package
• Permanent contract
• £40,430 per annum based on 40 hours per week
• 33 days annual leave
• Annual holiday buy/sell scheme
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
Our Requirements
We're looking for an experienced Retail Buyer who understands that successful buying is about much more than simply placing orders. You'll have:
• A strong commercial mindset and be comfortable using data, market insight and customer demand to make purchasing decisions.
• Proven experience in commercial buying, purchasing or category buying within a commercially focused organisation.
• Experience of buying across a broad range of product categories.
• Strong commercial understanding, including sales, margin, profit, pricing and purchasing costs.
• Experience of sourcing suppliers, negotiating commercial terms and managing supplier relationships.
• Good understanding of stock management, including stock holding, stock valuation, stock turn and sell-through.
• Experience of forecasting demand, planning purchasing requirements and managing buying budgets.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use sales, product and stock data to inform commercial decisions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
• Experience of leading, mentoring or developing team members.
Although not essential, the following would be desirable
• Experience of buying within Retail, Visitor Attractions, Hospitality, F&B or another customer-facing commercial environment.
• Experience of buying across multiple sales channels, including physical retail and online.
• Experience of using purchasing, stock management and/or EPOS systems.
• CIPs level 3 qualified or working towards.
Due to the requirements of the role, the Retail Buyer would be fully site-based, here at our incredible Zoo.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.
We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.
Retail Buyer in Chester employer: Chester-Zoo
Chester Zoo is not just a leading visitor attraction; it's a vibrant community of passionate conservationists dedicated to making a difference in wildlife preservation. With a unique working environment surrounded by stunning gardens and incredible animals, employees enjoy a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth and development. The zoo offers generous benefits, including a healthcare plan, annual leave, and opportunities for career advancement, making it an exceptional place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
