At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for Fresh & Deli, ensuring top-quality products and driving sales.
- Company: Join a prestigious luxury food retailer in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 40% discount, 25 days holiday, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop your career in a fast-paced, innovative setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fresh food offerings.
- Qualifications: Experience in food buying, especially fresh food, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Our Head Office department is in the heart of Piccadilly and occupies the 5th & 6th floor of our beautiful flagship store. This central London location offers so much to explore including restaurants, bars, cultural sites, shopping and more, and only a short walk from the Green Park Tube Station and plenty of bus stops.
The Buyer for Fresh & Deli is accountable for the overall development and delivery of our Fresh food offer, achieving the highest quality across all channels and management of the buying for their relevant department/category. The role is key to the delivery of the department/category sales and profit forecast. The candidate will demonstrate strong product development and sourcing expertise, industry knowledge, with an ability to identify and create market/product trends and realise new opportunities.
The ideal candidate will have an appreciation of fine food, with an excellent palate and knowledge of Fresh Food, alongside an understanding of what is important in food development and selection. They should have a network within the supply base and be respected in their area of expertise.
Key Accountabilities- Accountable for the delivery of the business’ strategic vision across all channels
- Drive sales, profit and growth, through analysis of sales and stock performance (supported by merchandising)
- Delivers the Fresh Food buying strategy for their product group working closely with the Merchandising team and other stakeholders
- Demonstrate an understanding of the customer profile and be able to anticipate customer needs and expectations in a multichannel environment
- Demonstrate an authentic and passionate understanding of Food groups, products and the competition within the market
- Input to sales and stock planning and forecasting cycle
- Define and agree pricing strategies with multiple suppliers
- Collaborates with the chefs to develop food offer, building strong relationships
- Ability to input into negotiation of complex business terms and agreements with suppliers and other third party service providers
- Delivery of new product development in line with the Fortnum own label strategy
- Source new brands and products in line with Fortnum’s strategy and commitment to quality
- Ensure all suppliers meet the Fortnum & Mason compliance standards
- Undertakes the delivery of seasonal product calendars to capitalise on key events / holidays throughout year
- Creates, maintains and manages the departmental range plan, each season, ensuring it is undertaken effectively across Retail, Online, Wholesale and Satellite Stores
- An effective people manager with the ability to train, develop and retain team members
- Demonstrate an authentic and passionate understanding of the brand and brand values
- The candidate must have experience in food buying, ideally in fresh food
- Awareness of how to create an impact in store
- Ideally the candidate will come from a luxury multichannel Food Retailer
- They should have an ability to manage time and workload with often-competing priorities and varying demands of the business
- Ability to create and manage range planning across a multichannel business
- Exceptionally high level of verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to influence and negotiate, effectively, with all team members at all levels including Senior Management & Board Members
- Ability to effectively relationship manage the supplier base
- Be able to influence and manage multiple internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to work under pressure, be able to prioritise and manage own and direct team’s workload to meet deadlines and manage expectations
- Self-motivated, and a proactive attitude to work
- Robust experience of the CRM systems and processes and reporting mechanisms to enable a function that is growing and maturing at speed
- Digitally savvy
- An ability to challenge, build credibility with a wide range of audiences and work with integrity/confidentiality at all times
A generous store and restaurant discount of up to 40% and 25 days holidays.
Fresh and Deli Buyer in London employer: Fortnum & Mason
At Fortnum & Mason, located in the vibrant heart of Piccadilly, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and quality in our Fresh and Deli department. Our employees enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth, with opportunities to develop their expertise in fine food while benefiting from generous discounts and a supportive team environment. Join us to be part of a prestigious brand that not only champions excellence in food but also encourages a fulfilling career in a culturally rich location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fresh and Deli Buyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up local markets. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Fresh and Deli Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your love for fresh produce and fine food shine through. Share your insights on trends and what excites you about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s product range and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their Fresh Food buying strategy and demonstrate your understanding of customer needs in a multichannel environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Fresh and Deli Buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh food shine through! Share any experiences or insights that highlight your appreciation for quality ingredients and how you stay updated on food trends.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortnum & Mason
✨Know Your Fresh Food Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh food products and trends. Be prepared to discuss your favourite items, what makes them special, and how they fit into the market. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves negotiating with suppliers, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms. Be ready to explain your approach and how it benefited your previous employer.
✨Understand the Customer Profile
Research the company’s customer base and be prepared to discuss how you would anticipate their needs. Think about how you can enhance their shopping experience through product selection and range planning.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Management Style
As an effective people manager, be ready to share your strategies for training and developing team members. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives you've led that improved team performance or morale.
