Head of Buying

Head of Buying

Chelmsford Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to shape buying strategies and manage supplier relationships.
  • Company: DD is a leader in the UK dental market, driving commercial success through innovative product offerings.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a range of wellbeing perks.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of shaping a market-leading product range and driving growth in the dental sector.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in buying roles, strong negotiation skills, and experience in healthcare preferred.
  • Other info: Opportunity to collaborate with European teams and enhance procurement practices.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

HEAD OF BUYING

At DD, we don’t just buy dental products – we shape the product offering that drives commercial success across the UK market. As our Head of Buying, you’ll lead a talented team of Buyers to deliver procurement excellence, supplier partnerships, and category strategies that maximise value and margin. You’ll also collaborate closely with our European sister companies to leverage group-wide synergies and innovations.

Your role at a glance:

  • Lead and execute the buying strategy across all product categories to meet customer needs and market trends.
  • Manage supplier relationships, negotiate trading agreements, and secure exclusive offers and promotions.
  • Oversee range selection, lifecycle management, and category rationalisation to optimise the product portfolio.
  • Drive cost savings and commercial KPIs, collaborating with Finance, Supply Chain, and European teams.
  • Lead, coach, and develop the Buying team to achieve procurement and category targets.
  • Champion best practices and innovative buying techniques to enhance margin and reduce waste.

Why this role matters: You’ll be central to ensuring DD maintains a market-leading product range and strong supplier partnerships that support our continued growth and profitability in the UK dental sector.

What you bring:

  • Proven leadership in senior buying, procurement, or category management roles.
  • Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering procurement savings and successful promotions.
  • Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience managing supplier relationships and multi-country or group procurement initiatives.
  • Background in dental, healthcare, or medical supplies sectors preferred.
  • Degree or professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS) preferred, or equivalent experience.

What We Offer:

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a brilliant range of benefits to support your wellbeing, lifestyle, and long-term future:

  • Discretionary company performance bonus

Head of Buying employer: Dd

At DD, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As the Head of Buying, you will not only lead a talented team but also benefit from our commitment to employee growth through continuous development opportunities and a supportive environment. Located in the heart of the UK dental sector, we provide a unique chance to shape the market while enjoying a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your wellbeing and future.
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Contact Detail:

Dd 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 dental and healthcare sectors. Understanding market dynamics will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the dental procurement field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into best practices.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and negotiated deals in your previous roles. Real-life scenarios can showcase your skills effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Research DD's current product offerings and supplier partnerships. Being knowledgeable about their business will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their success.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying

Leadership Skills
Commercial Acumen
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Category Management
Procurement Excellence
Interpersonal Skills
Stakeholder Management
Cost Savings Strategies
Market Trend Analysis
Team Development and Coaching
Product Lifecycle Management
Strategic Thinking
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
Experience in Dental or Healthcare Sectors

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in buying, procurement, or category management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commercial acumen and successful negotiations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the dental sector and how your background aligns with the role. Mention your experience in managing supplier relationships and driving cost savings.

Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as percentage savings achieved through negotiations or successful promotions you have led. This will help illustrate your impact in previous roles.

Highlight Team Leadership Skills: Emphasise your ability to lead and develop teams. Provide examples of how you have coached team members to achieve procurement targets and championed best practices in buying techniques.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dd

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As the Head of Buying, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

Highlight your experience in delivering procurement savings and successful promotions. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to drive cost savings and meet commercial KPIs.

✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios

Since negotiation is key in this role, think of past experiences where you successfully negotiated supplier agreements. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes of those negotiations.

✨Understand the Market Trends

Research current trends in the dental and healthcare sectors. Being knowledgeable about market dynamics will demonstrate your commitment and ability to shape the product offering effectively.

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