At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead buying strategies to drive revenue and market growth in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: One of Ireland's top food retail and wholesale businesses.
- Benefits: Generous salary, bonus, car allowance, pension, hybrid working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Why this job: Join a successful team and make a real impact on the company's commercial direction.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in senior buying or trading roles with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
My client, one of Ireland's leading food retail and wholesale businesses, is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Buying to join their highly successful team. Reporting at a senior level, this role will be responsible for developing and executing category and trading strategies that deliver sustainable revenue, margin, quality and market share growth. Belfast based.
Package:
- Generous salary doe
- Bonus
- Car Allowance
- Pension
- Hybrid Working
- Career Development Opportunities
- Life Assurance
- Staff Discount
Responsibilities of this Head of Buying include:
- Develop and implement trading strategies to achieve sustainable long-term revenue, margin, quality and market share growth.
- Lead the overall commercial direction of the buying function, ensuring alignment with wider business objectives.
- Develop annual category plans, budgets and performance targets across multiple product areas.
- Drive category management initiatives to deliver market-leading product ranges and customer-focused solutions.
- Assess commercial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and market position.
- Build and maintain strong supplier and retailer relationships through Joint Business Plans and ongoing engagement.
- Lead promotional planning and execution in line with the overall commercial and marketing strategy.
- Ensure operational and financial performance targets are achieved across the portfolio.
- Analyse customer insights, market trends and competitor activity to inform strategic decision-making.
- Lead, develop and mentor a high-performing commercial team.
Experience required for this Head of Buying includes:
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in a senior commercial, buying or trading leadership position managing a significant trading portfolio.
- Proven track record of delivering commercial strategies and driving exceptional business results.
- Strong leadership and people management experience.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to make strategic business decisions.
- Highly numerate with strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced retail, wholesale or FMCG environment.
- Category management experience within retail or wholesale is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of the Northern Irish, Irish or UK grocery market would be a distinct advantage.
Aoife Clarke is handling the recruitment for this role in complete confidentiality. Please upload your CV below and she will be in touch should you have the correct experience for the position. For more jobs like this, please visit the Excel Recruitment website. Unfortunately, due to volume only suitable applicants can be contacted.
Head of Buying in Belfast employer: Excel Recruitment
As one of Ireland's leading food retail and wholesale businesses, our company offers a dynamic work environment in Belfast that fosters innovation and collaboration. We prioritise employee growth through comprehensive career development opportunities, alongside a generous benefits package that includes a competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and hybrid working options. Join us to be part of a supportive culture where your contributions directly impact our success and the community we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Head of Buying role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Buying, you’ll need to demonstrate strong negotiation abilities. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Buying role. Highlight your experience in developing trading strategies and managing significant portfolios. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven revenue growth or improved profitability in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made in your past positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Excel Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Buying, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to revenue, margin, and market share growth. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership and people management skills. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, mentored individuals, and driven performance. Highlight your ability to align team goals with broader business objectives.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Northern Irish and UK grocery markets. Be prepared to discuss current trends, competitor activities, and how you would position the company’s offerings to gain a competitive edge.
✨Build Relationships
Since maintaining supplier and retailer relationships is crucial, think of examples where you've successfully built partnerships. Discuss your approach to negotiation and how you've created win-win situations in past roles.
