At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the buying strategy for a key category at Co-op.
- Company: Join Co-op, a purpose-driven organisation focused on community and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while influencing strategic decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or category management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
- Description
- Senior Buying Manager
- £50,000 to £75,000 plus company car and great benefits (Work Level 5)
Manchester city centre, in this role you’ll work in a hybrid way splitting your time between home and coming into the office at least two to three times a week
Permanent and 12-month fixed-term contracts available
We're looking for an experienced and commercially-minded Senior Buying Managers to join our team and help shape the future of one of Co-op's key categories.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a strategically important area of the business at a time of significant transformation.
You'll have the freedom to influence category direction, strengthen supplier partnerships, and deliver meaningful results for our customers, members and communities.
Why this role matters
This isn't just about managing a category, it's about helping to shape what's next.
As part of our commercial transformation, we're investing in new ways of working, building capability across our teams and creating a stronger, more customer-focused commercial function.
As a Senior Buying Manager, you'll play a leading role in that journey, bringing fresh thinking, commercial expertise and strategic direction to drive sustainable growth.
You'll work with talented colleagues across the business, influence senior stakeholders, and have the opportunity to make decisions that genuinely impact millions of customers and members.
All while doing business in a way that's fair, responsible and true to Co-op's values.
What you'll do
- Own and deliver the commercial strategy for your category, identifying opportunities for growth and creating ranges that excite and inspire customers
- Build and develop strategic supplier partnerships, negotiating market-leading terms while unlocking innovation and long-term value
- Lead category performance, taking ownership of budgets, forecasts, strategic plans and key commercial objectives
- Use customer, market and performance insights to identify emerging trends and make informed commercial decisions
- Work closely with teams across supply chain, technical, quality, marketing and merchandising to deliver an outstanding end-to-end customer offer
- Lead, coach and develop colleagues within your team, creating an environment where people can thrive and perform at their best
- Represent Co-op externally, building influential relationships across the supplier network and wider industry
- Help shape the future of our commercial function by contributing to transformation initiatives and continuous improvement activity
- What you'll bring
We're committed to making our opportunities accessible, so we only ask for the essential experience needed to succeed in the role.
You'll bring:
- Significant experience within buying, procurement, category management, commercial leadership or senior account management
- A proven track record of developing winning commercial strategies and delivering measurable business growth
- Strong negotiation skills and experience building productive, long-term supplier partnerships
- The ability to navigate complexity, influence senior stakeholders and drive decisions across multiple teams
- A customer-focused and commercially astute mindset, using data and insight to make informed decisions
- Experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams
- The confidence to challenge thinking, embrace change and drive continuous improvement
- What makes this opportunity different
- The chance to lead within a high-profile category at a pivotal time for our commercial team
- An opportunity to make a tangible impact from day one, with genuine ownership and influence
- Exposure to senior leaders and strategic business decisions
- The ability to help shape the future of Co-op's commercial proposition while working for a business that puts people, communities and sustainability at the heart of what it does
Why Co-op?
At Co-op, we’re owned by our members.
And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you.
So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement.
We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose.
- We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:
- An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays - A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
- Private healthcare
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ) - 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
- Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
- Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
- 24/7 colleague support service
- Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme - A place you’ll belong
We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve.
We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.
We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.
Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs. coop. co. uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs. coop. co. uk/diversity-inclusion.
Senior Buying Manager in Manchester employer: Co-op Insurance
At Co-op, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and development of our employees. As an Engineering Manager in Manchester, you'll enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits including an annual bonus, generous holiday allowance, and access to private healthcare, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping our digital future. Join us to be part of a community-driven organisation where your contributions truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buying Manager in Manchester
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Co-op Insurance.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buying Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Co-op Insurance:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Co-op Insurance. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Co-op Insurance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Co-op Insurance
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Co-op Insurance!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Co-op Insurance. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Co-op Insurance's culture.
