At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate with suppliers and optimise product availability in the food retail sector.
- Company: Join a leading national retail and distribution organisation in Harrow.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and gym membership.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the food industry while developing your negotiation skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in food buying and strong data analysis skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
An established national retail and distribution organisation is seeking an experienced Buyer to join its central trading team in Harrow. You will play a key role in delivering category performance, working with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve profitability, availability, and operational efficiency. Occasional travel may be required.
Skills & Experience
- Proven negotiation experience within a recognised brand
- Worked within the Food Industry
- Strong data analysis and commercial awareness
- Experience working with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent planning, prioritisation, and time management
- Proficient in Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
Desirable
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Business/Administration
Personal Attributes
- Commercially astute and resilient
- Collaborative and customer-focused
- Adaptable with strong problem-solving skills
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category plans to drive profitability and optimise supplier terms
- Lead national supplier negotiations and manage cost price increases
- Deliver income budgets and forecast promotional spend
- Plan and manage seasonal and promotional trading activity
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment
- Manage product availability and resolve supply or operational issues
Buyer in Harrow on the Hill employer: Parkside Office Professional
Contact Detail:
Parkside Office Professional Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Harrow on the Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local food industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your negotiation skills. Think of real-life scenarios where you’ve successfully negotiated terms. We want you to showcase that experience and confidence when you chat with potential employers!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company before your interview! Understand their product lines, suppliers, and market position. This will help us tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that Buyer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Harrow on the Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: Make sure to highlight your strong negotiation experience in your application. We want to see how you've successfully navigated supplier negotiations in the food industry, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills.
Data Analysis is Key: Since data analysis is crucial for this role, don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Excel and any relevant experience you have with data-driven decision-making. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. We appreciate when candidates align their experiences with our needs, especially in areas like stakeholder management and operational efficiency.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkside Office Professional
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is key for a Buyer role, prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've led in the food industry. Think about how you achieved better terms or resolved conflicts with suppliers, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your data analysis skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Familiarise yourself with key metrics that impact profitability and supplier performance in the food retail sector.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management
This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers. Highlight your communication strategies and how you ensure alignment across different parties.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of challenges you've faced in previous buying roles, especially related to supply issues or operational inefficiencies, and outline how you tackled them. This will showcase your adaptability and resilience.