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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and drive innovation in Frozen Meal Solutions.
- Company: Join Ocado Retail, the UK's largest online supermarket with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, health perks, and discounts at M&S.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of retail innovation and make a real impact on customer choices.
- Qualifications: 1 year of buying experience and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Access to comprehensive training and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours (full-time)
Level: Assistant Buyer
Application Closing Date: Monday 2nd Feb
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands.
About the team and the role
We’re looking for a Buyer to manage our Frozen Meal Solutions category. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying the best innovations in the market and bringing them to Ocado customers at pace. You will also be responsible for managing complex supplier negotiations, ensuring the product range is optimised, and using data and analysis, proactively maximising performance and driving sales, profitability, and share growth, supporting the overall Ocado Retail strategy and goals. Based within the Frozen Meal Solutions buying team, this role is at the forefront of delivering great value, quality & innovation for the Ocado customers. The role is an ideal opportunity for a great buyer to expand the category through a mix of new challenger brands and big market-leading brands.
What you’ll do
- Manage supplier performance, identifying potential new suppliers, and provide support to build long-term supplier relationships
- Use insight tools to analyse and understand performance issues and opportunities
- Conduct regular competitor website visits and review customer insight and food trends, helping shape our future product and range requirements for our customers
- Source customer/market insight-led ranges and product innovation
- Negotiate with suppliers to agree and deliver, market-leading joint business plans for your areas aligned to the customer plan & category strategy, as well as negotiating on supplier-funded media and delivering against the target
Who you are
- A minimum of 1 year, or placement equivalent, of buying experience
- Confident to negotiate and communicate with a wide range of suppliers
- Strong problem-solving, planning, and organisational skills
- Ability to analyse data and formulate tangible outputs
- Proficient in using Excel and formulas
- Good commercial acumen
- Excited and passionate about working in retail and commercial functions
- A passionate foodie
Training and Development
Joining our Buying team provides access to our Commercial Academy, a comprehensive development program structured around three pillars: Buyer Induction, Specific Skills (Buying & Selling), and General Skills. You’ll gain access to external, advanced training such as Negotiation, as well as courses on Understanding Suppliers and Optimising JBPs. This whole program is designed to deliver a foundational and advanced skillset across essential commercial competencies.
What’s in it for you
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail. If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal.
Health & Wellbeing:
- Private medical insurance with option to add your family
- Digital GP appointments
- Market-leading family policies
- Mental health support
- Discounted gym memberships
- Dental insurance
- And more.
Spend & Save:
- Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives
- Recognition with reward platform
- Up to 7% matched pension contributions
- 15% Ocado discount
- 20% M&S discount
- Free breakfast every day in the office
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme
- Free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
Never miss the moments that matter:
- Hybrid working
- 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays
- Options to buy extra holiday
- 2 weeks work from anywhere
- Lifestyle break opportunities.
Our Hiring Process
Lucky for us, we receive a high volume of applications and genuinely appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. To ensure a fair and thorough process, every application is reviewed by a member of our team. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.
Your Application and AI
In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don’t lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you’re a great fit for us.
Everyone’s welcome
L1 Buyer - Frozen in Hatfield employer: Ocado Retail Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ocado Retail Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land L1 Buyer - Frozen in Hatfield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Ocado Retail, their values, and their Frozen Meal Solutions category. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to buying and supplier negotiations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace L1 Buyer - Frozen in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: We want to see your love for food shine through in your application! Share any experiences or insights that highlight your passion for the culinary world, especially in frozen meal solutions.
Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves analysing data and performance, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with data analysis. We love candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Highlight Your Negotiation Skills: Negotiation is key in this role, so don’t shy away from showcasing your experience in this area. Whether it’s supplier negotiations or securing deals, let us know how you’ve successfully navigated these situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Ocado Retail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Retail Ltd
✨Know Your Frozen Meal Solutions
Before the interview, dive deep into the Frozen Meal Solutions category. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular products, and emerging brands. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Master Supplier Negotiation Scenarios
Prepare for potential negotiation scenarios you might face in the role. Think about how you would approach discussions with suppliers, and be ready to share examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Brush up on your data analysis skills, especially in Excel. Be prepared to discuss how you would use data to identify performance issues and opportunities within the Frozen Meal Solutions category. Having a few examples of how you've used data in previous roles can really set you apart.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Let your love for food shine through during the interview. Share your favourite frozen meals or brands, and discuss any food trends that excite you. This personal touch can help create a connection with your interviewers and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the industry.
