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- Tasks: Manage frozen meal solutions, negotiate with suppliers, and drive product innovation.
- Company: Join Ocado Retail, the UK's largest online supermarket with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, discounts, hybrid working, and generous holiday options.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of retail innovation and make a real impact on customer choices.
- Qualifications: 1 year of buying experience or equivalent, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for food.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Overview
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working – 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours – Full-time
Level: Level 1
Application Closing Date: Wednesday 29th October
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, ocado.com. 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. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same-day grocery delivery service.
About The Team And The Role
We\\u2019re looking for a Buyer to manage our frozen meal solutions category. In this role, you will be responsible for finding the best innovation in the market and bringing it to Ocado customers at pace. You will also be responsible for managing complex supplier negotiations, ensuring the product range is optimised, proactively using data and analysis to maximise performance and drive sales, profitability, and share growth to support the overall Ocado Retail strategy and goals. Based within the chilled, bakery & frozen 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
- 1 year of buying experience or placement equivalent, ideally
- 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
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. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
- 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, and 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, and 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\\u2019t 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\\u2019re a great fit for us.
Everyone’s welcome
We’re an equal opportunity employer. That means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Purchasing and Supply Chain
- Retail
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L1 Buyer – Frozen Meal Solutions employer: Ocado Retail
Contact Detail:
Ocado Retail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land L1 Buyer – Frozen Meal Solutions
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Ocado Retail, their values, and their products. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and passion for 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
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves supplier negotiations, brush up on your techniques. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to feel confident when discussing terms.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Ocado team!
We think you need these skills to ace L1 Buyer – Frozen Meal Solutions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your experiences and passions that make you a great fit for the L1 Buyer role.
Show Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your buying experience and any relevant skills, especially in data analysis and negotiation. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or driven sales in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the job description by mentioning how your background aligns with our mission at Ocado Retail. Show us how you can contribute to delivering joy in every shop!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Retail
✨Know Your Frozen Meals
Before the interview, dive deep into the frozen meal solutions market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular brands, and innovative products. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you engage in meaningful conversations about how you can contribute to Ocado's mission.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since the role involves supplier negotiations, brush up on your negotiation skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your confidence and ability to handle complex supplier relationships.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Get comfortable with data analysis tools and Excel formulas. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight any specific instances where your analytical skills led to improved performance or sales, as this aligns perfectly with the job requirements.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As a passionate foodie, let that enthusiasm shine through during your interview. Share your favourite frozen meals or brands and discuss what excites you about the food industry. This personal touch can make you memorable and show that you're genuinely invested in the role.