At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product selection and development, making impactful decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Lidl, an award-winning retailer with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, 10% discount, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model for the perfect work/life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in food retail while thriving in a dynamic workplace.
- Qualifications: Experience in food retail buying and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 77000 - 88000 £ per year.
£77,000 - £88,000 | 35 days’ holiday (pro rata) | 10% in-store discount | Pension scheme
Everyone who works at Lidl brings something unique to the table - but we also have a whole lot in common. We’re curious, collaborative, and ready to make a tangible impact on where we work.
Our award-winning Buying Department is now hiring a Buying Manager to join the team. You’ll play a major role in influencing every aspect of the range of goods that we offer to our customers from which products we sell, to the way they look and taste, developing our supply base and continuing to drive our market-leading position.
You’ll engage in a diverse range of activities including operations within our stores, product development, and contract negotiations, all on a global platform. You’ll be able to excel in a dynamic and high-pressure environment where every opinion is valued, and we are eager to hear yours. With a true enthusiasm for food retail, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to becoming a specialist in your area, you’ll be self-driven with a strong desire to succeed.
Our network of over 1000+ stores rely on your expertise in selecting the best products for our customers. If this piques your interest and you want to work for a fast-moving, award-winning retailer then show us what you have got!
At Lidl, we offer a hybrid working model to give you the best of both worlds. Spend three days or more in our state-of-the-art office within the newly built Motherwell distribution centre. With up to two days at home, you’ll find the work/life balance you need to thrive.
What you'll do
- Demonstrate confidence in making decisions involving multi-million pound investments and in formulating solutions to intricate challenges; you are the one who steers the decision-making process for your categories.
- Take charge of your categories and embrace the responsibility and accountability for all aspects, from sample tasting to the final approval of packaging design – our success hinges on your efforts.
- Oversee the essential timeline from product conception to its launch in our depots, ensuring that stock is delivered on time.
- Possessing a strong entrepreneurial spirit, you will demonstrate exceptional skills in negotiation and networking at the highest echelons. Your role will involve daily interactions not only with Account Managers but also with Commercial and Managing Directors from some of the largest manufacturers in the UK.
- Demonstrating confidence when presenting to Buying Directors and Board Directors.
- Utilise your keen analytical abilities, coupled with the capacity to recognise trends, project sales, and evaluate data to inform commercial decisions.
- Engage in negotiations to secure the most favourable commercial terms for the business, with a strong commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes.
- Continuously seek to enhance our customer offerings, as the pursuit of improvement is an ongoing endeavour.
- Collaborate with your fellow buyers and colleagues in other departments, but ultimately have the initiative to drive your own work independently.
- Reports into one of the Heads of Buying as part of a team of buyers.
What you'll need
- Experience working as a Buyer in the food retail sector.
- Experience in negotiating and dealing with suppliers.
- Be passionate about the food retail industry.
- Common sense, pragmatic, logical and quick thinking are all the words people would use to describe you.
- An individual who demonstrates initiative, possesses an entrepreneurial mindset, and exhibits proficient negotiation abilities.
- Exude presence, demonstrate confidence, and hold firm belief in your ideas.
- Possession of a full UK driving licence.
- Already live - or happy to relocate to within a one-hour commute of Lidl, Motherwell Distribution Centre.
- German language skills desirable but not essential.
What you'll receive
- 35 days holiday (pro rata).
- 10% in-store discount.
- Enhanced family leave.
- Pension scheme.
- Plus, more of the perks you deserve.
We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Join us to celebrate individuality and grow in a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment.
If you’re ready to get stuck in, want to get more out of your career and make a real difference, find your place at Lidl and apply now.
Buying Manager employer: Lidl
Lidl is an exceptional employer that values collaboration and determination, offering a dynamic work environment where no two shifts are the same. With competitive pay rates, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee growth and training, Lidl empowers its Customer Assistants to thrive in their roles and advance their careers. The inclusive culture and commitment to well-being make Lidl a fantastic place to work for those looking to make a meaningful impact in retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Lidl, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Lidl!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Lidl, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Lidl and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Lidl that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lidl
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
