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- Tasks: Lead the Tea category strategy and manage product development from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Whittard of Chelsea, a luxury tea and coffee brand with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, up to 50% discount, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and make a real impact in the tea industry.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer or Category Manager in retail, with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values individual backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
At Whittard, we’re passionate about bringing luxury tea and coffee to our communities. We’ve been achieving this goal since 1886, and have ambitious objectives to grow our business with each role being key in delivering these. The Buyer is an exciting opportunity to be part of this journey join the Product and Buying team at our Milton Park offices. Reporting to the Head of Product you will lead the Tea category, manage the full buying lifecycle and support the team through category strategy, product development and supplier management. In return you’ll benefit from hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, fantastic product discounts and investments in your professional training and development.
Responsibilities
- Own and deliver the Tea category strategy, balancing core ranges, innovation and seasonal launches
- Lead end‑to‑end product development (NPD and EPD) from concept through to launch
- Use customer insight, trends and performance data to shape range planning
- Ensure all products meet Whittard's high standards of taste, quality and presentation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with global suppliers and lead commercial negotiations
- Identify new sourcing opportunities, origins and innovations
- Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Retail, E‑commerce, Wholesale, Merchandising, Quality and Supply Chain
About You
- Significant experience as a Buyer or Category Manager within retail or FMCG
- A strong track record of managing a commercially important category end‑to‑end
- Proven experience developing and launching new products in a branded environment
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills, ideally with global suppliers
- Skilled in interpreting customer insight, category data and market trends
- Commercially curious, proactive and highly organised
- Thrives in cross‑functional environments and enjoys influencing stakeholders
- Experience in tea, hot beverages, food & drink or premium consumables (desirable)
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance + enjoy your birthday off
- Up to 50% store discount on Whittard products
- Monthly product allowance
- Auto-enrolment Pension scheme
- Access to our wellbeing portal and Employee Assistant Programme
- Flexible working opportunities
- Selection of family friendly benefits… And much much more!
Whittard of Chelsea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We thrive to be a diverse and an inclusive organisation. We want to be a place where differences are recognised and celebrated, with a workforce that builds teams from all individualities, backgrounds, and experiences. Together as a Whittard family, we continue to create a culture that encourages, supports, and inspires all our employees to have a voice, to make a positive difference in helping to develop our ambitious brand.
Buyer - Whittard of Chelsea employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Whittard of Chelsea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Whittard or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Whittard’s products, values, and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and products.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to showcase your ability to negotiate with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Whittard family and ready to contribute to our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Whittard of Chelsea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Tea and Coffee: When you're writing your application, let your love for tea and coffee shine through! We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission at Whittard. Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to our products.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience as a Buyer or Category Manager. We’re looking for someone who can manage the full buying lifecycle, so detail your past roles and achievements that demonstrate your skills in product development and supplier management.
Use Data to Your Advantage: We love numbers! If you've used customer insights, trends, or performance data to shape product ranges in the past, make it known. This will show us that you understand the commercial side of things and can make informed decisions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Whittard family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your Tea
Dive deep into the world of tea before your interview. Familiarise yourself with different types, origins, and trends in the tea market. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine passion for the product you'll be managing.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially with suppliers. Highlight how you achieved favourable terms while maintaining strong relationships. This is crucial for the Buyer role, so make sure to articulate your strategies clearly.
✨Data-Driven Decisions
Be ready to discuss how you've used customer insights and performance data to shape product ranges in previous roles. Bring specific examples that demonstrate your ability to analyse trends and make informed decisions that drive sales.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've successfully worked with other departments like Marketing or Supply Chain. Be prepared to share how you influenced stakeholders and contributed to a cohesive team effort, as this is key in a role that requires collaboration across various functions.
