Buyer in Darwen

JOB TITLE:

Buyer

DEPARTMENT:

Procurement / Buying

LOCATION:

Darwen

REPORTING TO:

Procurement

ROLE SUMMARY

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

Supplier Management & Commercial Negotiation

• 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.

  Stock Management & Availability

• 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.

  Data & Performance Management

• 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.

  Compliance & Regulation

• 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.