At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape pet food categories and drive innovation for better pet wellbeing.
- Company: Join Pets at Home, a passionate team dedicated to improving pets' lives.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, career development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and bring your unique perspective to our team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pet nutrition and customer experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying within Food/FMCG and strong commercial instincts.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
At Pets at Home, we're here to make life better for pets and the people who love them. And that starts with creating and delivering brilliant products our customers can trust. Products that nourish, delight and truly support pet wellbeing. Our Food and Health categories are some of the fastest-growing areas of our business, and we're looking for a Senior Buyer who's ready to take their category to the next level. If you're commercially sharp, passionate about product and excited by shaping something big, this could be your next opportunity.
A Role with Real Impact
This isn't buying as usual. You'll be shaping categories that are changing how people feed and look after their pets, a space full of innovation, customer passion and long-term potential. You'll lead the commercial strategy, unlock new opportunities and create a range that genuinely sets us apart. All while supporting our purpose: to make the world a better place for pets. The role offers hybrid working from our Support Office in Handforth, Cheshire.
What you'll be doing
- Taking full accountability for your category's sales, margin and market share
- Turning customer insights and market trends into a winning proposition
- Leading strategic supplier relationships; negotiating, building partnerships and driving innovation
- Working with our Own Brand team to bring exciting new fresh and raw ranges to customers
- Partnering with teams across Supply Chain, Marketing, Retail and more to land your category brilliantly across every channel
- Acting as Transformation Lead to drive change across sourcing, distribution and the customer experience
- Creating simple, inspiring plans that help our colleagues understand (and get excited about!) where the category is headed
You'll collaborate with people across:
- Trading & Merchandising
- Own Brand
- Supply Chain
- Marketing & Digital
- Retail
- Suppliers passionate about shaping the future of pet nutrition
It's a role where relationships matter, and where your influence and collaboration will shape real results!
What you'll bring
- Several years buying experience in Food / FMCG and a strong commercial instinct
- Confidence making big decisions and owning outcomes
- A curious, proactive, let's make it happen mindset
- Brilliant stakeholder skills. You know how to bring others with you
- Resilience and determination. You get things over the line
- A love of customer insight and using data to build better propositions
- And most importantly: a genuine desire to do the right thing for pets, customers and colleagues
Why join us?
Because at Pets, you'll be part of a team that cares. A place where you can be yourself, develop your career and create products that genuinely improve pets' lives. You'll have the freedom to shape a category with huge potential, and the support of people who want you to thrive. Here your work has purpose. And your ideas really matter!
Pets just see people. They aren't biased and they don't discriminate. We take our inspiration from pets, and we value and respect difference in all its forms. Our aim is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and every colleague can help us achieve this. We encourage our people to be themselves so even if your skills and experience don't perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!
Senior Buyer - Food & Health in London employer: Pets at Home
At Pets at Home, we are not just building a pet insurance business; we are creating a vibrant and innovative environment where your contributions truly matter. As a Senior Pricing Analyst, you will enjoy the unique opportunity to work with unparalleled data assets while being part of a passionate team dedicated to improving outcomes for pets and their owners. With a supportive culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth, this role offers a chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic start-up atmosphere backed by the stability of a leading brand.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Food & Health in London
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Pets at Home.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Pets at Home!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Pets at Home, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Pets at Home, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Food & Health in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Pets at Home, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Pets at Home.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Pets at Home. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Pets at Home. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pets at Home
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Pets at Home’s mission.
