At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and negotiate with major suppliers to boost profitability.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding retail group with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonuses, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for executive-level advancement.
- Why this job: Take charge of buying strategies and make a real impact on our retail success.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in retail procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Department: Procurement & Retail Operations
Reporting to: Operations Director (with strategic reporting to the CEO)
Location: Head Office – Daventry (with travel to group sites)
Package: Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Performance Bonus
We are looking for a sharp, commercially driven Group Retail Procurement & Merchandising Manager to join us at a defining moment in our business journey. With major expansion plans underway, including the rapid scale of our Mapleleaf Express convenience brands, we need a negotiation heavyweight who can take full ownership of our buying and inventory strategy.
This isn't a role for a spectator. You will hold the commercial keys to our entire retail portfolio, negotiating directly with major suppliers and wholesalers to drive group profitability. If you are an ambitious buyer who loves high-stakes negotiation, thrives on data-driven strategy, and wants a direct route to executive-level progression, this is the role you've been waiting for.
About the Role
As the Group Retail Procurement & Merchandising Manager, you will hold commercial ownership of all retail products across the Mapleleaf Group portfolio, including our growing Mapleleaf Express convenience brands. You will design and execute our buying strategies, negotiate market-leading commercial terms with major suppliers and wholesalers, and directly impact group profitability. This is a pivotal role combining high-level commercial negotiation with group-wide inventory strategy.
Core Responsibilities
- Commercial Buying & Strategy: Develop and implement profitable procurement strategies across grocery, chilled, frozen, confectionery, tobacco, and seasonal retail lines. Standardise product ranges across all group sites while keeping the flexibility to meet local customer demands. Monitor market pricing and competitor activity to keep our retail pricing highly competitive.
- Supplier & Wholesaler Negotiation: Source new suppliers and negotiate optimal pricing, payment terms, and retrospective volume rebates. Secure lucrative annual trading agreements and dedicated promotional funding from key suppliers and Cash & Carry networks. Conduct regular supplier performance reviews.
- Stock Strategy & Commercial Planning: Oversee group-wide inventory health by analysing sales trends and forecasting demand accurately. Build and execute seasonal buying plans to maximise trading during peak calendar periods, ensuring 100% stock availability ahead of promotional campaign launches.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting: Work closely with the Finance team to reconcile supplier invoices and track rebate collections. Support and develop Store Managers with high-level stock planning and commercial awareness training. Deliver clear procurement and margin performance reports directly to senior leadership.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Margin Improvement: Increase overall retail gross profit (GP) percentages across all categories.
- Commercial Income: Achieve and exceed supplier rebate and promotional funding targets.
- Stock Optimisation: Maintain high stock availability while reducing group waste and shrinkage.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: Reduce emergency or ad-hoc purchasing across retail locations.
Skills & Experience Required
- Experience: 5+ years of proven success in retail procurement, buying, or category management (ideally within convenience retail, supermarkets, or forecourts).
- Negotiation: A track record of negotiating high-value supplier agreements and rebate structures.
- Analytical Mindset: Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel with strong demand forecasting and data analysis abilities.
- Mobility: Full UK driving license and a willingness to travel between group locations to audit inventory standards.
What We Offer
- Competitive Base Salary tailored to your experience.
- Performance-Related Bonus structure tied directly to your negotiated savings and margins.
- A dynamic, rapidly expanding business environment with clear routes to executive-level progression.
Group Retail Procurement & Merchandising Manager in Daventry employer: Mapleleaf Group
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding team at our Daventry Head Office, where your role as Group Retail Procurement & Merchandising Manager will be pivotal in shaping the future of our Mapleleaf Express convenience brands. We offer a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and a culture that fosters growth and collaboration, ensuring you have the tools and support to excel in high-stakes negotiations and strategic decision-making. With clear pathways to executive-level progression, this is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious professionals looking to make a significant impact in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Retail Procurement & Merchandising Manager in Daventry
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Mapleleaf Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Retail Procurement & Merchandising Manager in Daventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Mapleleaf Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Mapleleaf Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Mapleleaf Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mapleleaf Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Mapleleaf Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Mapleleaf Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Mapleleaf Group's culture.
