The Buyer will lead supplier relationships, negotiate commercial terms, and take full ownership of stock availability and compliance. The role covers strategic sourcing with hands-on stock management, ensuring the business stays competitive and supports an exceptional customer experience in the vaping and wider distribution sector.
RESPONSIBILTIES AND DUTIES
- Act as a credible representative of the business with suppliers and partners.
- Build strong supplier relationships to secure competitive pricing, early product access, and priority fulfilment.
- Negotiate favorable commercial terms including pricing, rebates, and promotional support.
- Challenge underperformance on service levels, minimum order quantities, and lead times.
- Own forecasting, ordering, and availability across core ranges.
- Maintain high stock availability (typically >97%) through proactive planning.
- Manage the launch and supply chain integration of new products.
- Monitor aged or slow-moving stock and put in place clearance, returns, or supplier-funded reduction plans.
- Monitor supplier dashboards up to date on stock, margin, availability, sales, and product trends.
- Track performance through clear KPIs such as On Time in Full (OTIF) delivery, availability %, and stock ageing.
- Present business cases internally to support key commercial decisions.
- Stay informed on industry and product regulations, particularly within the vape sector.
- Ensure supplier and product documentation (HMRC, CE, compliance certificates) is accurate and complete.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Strong experience in a buying function (FMCG, retail, or distribution), with a proven track record of supplier management and commercial negotiation.
- Commercially astute with excellent negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective supplier relationships.
- Analytical and confident with Excel, KPIs, and dashboards.
- Skilled in forecasting and stock control.
- Strong communication and influencing ability.
- CIPS or equivalent qualification (desirable but not essential).
- Experience managing or mentoring others is an advantage, though not required.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Demonstrate professionalism and consistency in what you say and do in order to build trust
- Take responsibility for actions that sit within your remit, encouraging learning and demonstrating ownership for the actions to improve/change and amend
- Take into account the well‑being of others in the design and delivery of your work, creating a culture that supports others to achieve their best at work
- Carefully consider the financial and operational implications of your choices. Take responsibility to provide timely advice and deliver solutions that meet business needs.
- Enable own and others’ continuous professional development using a range of methods. Reflect on experience, seek feedback and apply your learning.
- Understand how your choices and actions impact on wider performance. Adapt your approach and choices in light of new information or changing circumstances.
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Buyer in Darwen employer: Flavour Warehouse Ltd
Flavour Warehouse is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. As a CRM Marketing Executive, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside competitive perks such as 30 days of holiday, life insurance, and product discounts. Located in a vibrant eCommerce sector, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on customer engagement and revenue while being part of a passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation.
