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- Tasks: Lead a premium food category, driving sales and managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Fast-growing, innovative food business focused on quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team passionate about ethical sourcing and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while promoting sustainability and quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying within food/FMCG and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
A fast-growing, premium food business is looking for a Buying Manager to lead a key commercial retail category. This category includes a curated mix of branded and own-label products, from high-quality accompaniments to complementary food and drink ranges, designed to enhance the customer experience and drive incremental sales.
The Role
You’ll take full ownership of the retail category, with responsibility across product selection, supplier partnerships, and commercial performance. You’ll work cross-functionally with creative, operational, and technical teams to deliver an engaging, high-performing range.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning category performance, including sales, profit, and budget delivery
- Driving commercial initiatives to improve margin and optimise cost
- Leading supplier strategy, from sourcing and negotiation through to performance management
- Building and nurturing relationships with high-quality, values-driven suppliers
- Identifying and onboarding new partners aligned to the brand vision
- Leading new product development in collaboration with internal teams
- Managing in-store merchandising strategy across shelves, fridges, and till areas
- Partnering with internal stakeholders to balance creativity with operational execution
About You
We’re looking for someone who combines strong commercial acumen with a passion for food and sustainability:
- Proven experience at Buying Manager level (or similar) within food/FMCG
- Strong negotiation and procurement expertise
- Strategic thinker with experience delivering category plans and budgets
- Skilled in building meaningful supplier relationships, particularly with smaller producers
- Passionate about ethical sourcing, sustainability, and quality food
Buying Manager in London employer: JSS
Contact Detail:
JSS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend food and FMCG events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Buying Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s products and values. We want you to show your passion for food and sustainability, so think about how your experience aligns with their vision. Bring your A-game!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buying Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in supplier partnerships. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨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 engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and sustainability shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our brand vision and the role of Buying Manager.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience in buying, especially within the food or FMCG sectors. We’re looking for proven skills in negotiation and supplier management, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Strategic: Demonstrate your strategic thinking by outlining how you've successfully delivered category plans and budgets in the past. We want to know how you can drive commercial initiatives and improve margins.
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to tailor your application specifically for us. Mention how your values align with our commitment to ethical sourcing and quality food. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at JSS
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the food and FMCG sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and the specific products the company offers. This will not only show your passion for the industry but also demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive category performance.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss how you approached supplier partnerships and what strategies you used to optimise costs while maintaining quality. This will highlight your procurement expertise and commercial acumen.
✨Emphasise Your Relationship-Building Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've built strong relationships with suppliers or internal stakeholders. Discuss how these relationships contributed to successful product launches or improved margins. This will illustrate your ability to nurture meaningful connections that align with the brand vision.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the company's commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Be prepared to share your own experiences and passion for these values. This alignment will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.