At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead wine sourcing and ensure supply continuity for a heritage brand.
- Company: Join Buckfast Tonic Wine, a unique UK heritage drinks brand.
- Benefits: Executive package with influence in a small, dynamic team.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with trusted suppliers and maintain quality.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a close-knit leadership role.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in wine or spirits manufacturing required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Buckfast Tonic Wine is one of the UK’s most distinctive heritage drinks brands. As the business approaches its 100‑year anniversary, J Chandler & Co (Buckfast) Ltd is appointing a Supply Management Director to play a pivotal role in securing its future. This appointment follows the planned retirement of a long‑serving supply leader after more than 30 years. The priority is continuity, stewardship and resilience — not disruption.
This is not a traditional procurement or transformation role. Success will be defined by safeguarding supply, protecting quality and provenance, and maintaining trusted long‑term supplier relationships.
Key focus areas- End‑to‑end responsibility for wine sourcing and supply continuity
- Stewardship of long‑standing European wine producers (France & Spain)
- Ownership of supply planning from source through blending, bottling and distribution
- Relationship‑led commercial negotiation across wine, packaging and key inputs
- Oversight of regulated supply, bonded stock and excise requirements
About you
- Senior experience in wine, spirits or drinks manufacturing
- Deep understanding of quality‑critical raw materials and bulk liquid supply
- Calm, credible and collaborative, commercially astute without being adversarial
- Comfortable operating as part of a small, highly visible leadership team
Buckfast is a focused, profitable business producing c.£65m annually with a team of just 22 people. This role offers genuine influence, close‑knit leadership, and the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a unique business and product.
Supply Management Director in Hampshire employer: Nigel Wright Group
Contact Detail:
Nigel Wright Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Management Director in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend events related to wine and spirits. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so get chatting!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, history, and what makes Buckfast unique. We want to see your passion for the brand shine through when you chat with them!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your relationship-building skills. In this role, it’s all about maintaining trusted long-term supplier relationships. We suggest sharing examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past.
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Management Director in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Brand: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Buckfast Tonic Wine shine through. We want to see that you understand and appreciate the heritage of our brand, so share why you're excited about the opportunity to contribute to its future.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your senior experience in wine, spirits, or drinks manufacturing. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a deep understanding of quality-critical raw materials, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise in this area.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our small, dynamic team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our unique business!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Wright Group
✨Know Your Wine
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of wine sourcing and the specific regions mentioned in the job description, like France and Spain. Being able to discuss the nuances of quality-critical raw materials will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate expert.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role emphasises relationship-led commercial negotiation, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build and maintain long-term supplier relationships. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex negotiations without being adversarial.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As part of a small leadership team, it’s crucial to convey your calm and collaborative approach. Be ready to share instances where your leadership made a significant impact, especially in high-pressure situations. This will help them see you as a credible fit for their close-knit environment.
✨Understand Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Buckfast's history and its unique position in the market. Articulate how you can contribute to their vision of continuity and stewardship, especially as they approach their 100-year anniversary. Showing that you align with their values will set you apart from other candidates.