At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and develop category strategies for grocery products.
- Company: Join a leading B2B supplier and retailer with a strong international presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a 10% bonus, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Great learning and development opportunities with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the grocery sector while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years of retail buying experience, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in Excel.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
Quest Search & Selection are looking for a Buyer - Grocery to develop, implement, and review a category plan that leverages scale and supplier efficiency to reduce costs, optimise terms, and improve profitability.
In this role you will be negotiating contracts with strong product availability & margins.
This business is a leading B2B supplier & retailer here you will be part of a large international organisation with a highly influential marketing power with sustainable and progressive financial results.
- In this position your responsibilities as a
- Buyer - Grocery includes -
- Manage category negotiations with line manager support.
- Prepare presentations for sign-off.
- Support Assistant Buyer for development and daily tasks.
- Deliver budget and scheme forecasts.
- Identify risks and engage stakeholders to manage impact.
- Develop supplier strategies and secure agreements.
- Create competitive promo plans and maximise promotional investment.
- Assess suppliers, manage relationships, and resolve issues.
- Identify seasonal product opportunities and manage exit/clearance.
- Stay informed on product/market changes and implement mitigation plans.
- To be successful in this
- Buyer - Grocery position you must have -
- Ideally having 2-3 years' + successful retail buying background
- Ideally you have experience within food, drink fmcg, health & beauty, however other backgrounds will be considered etc
- That you have established negotiation experience within a recognised brand
- Experience analysing and interpreting data
- Experience prioritising workloads and meeting deadlines
- Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders
- Proficient in Excel; competent in Outlook, Power Point, and Word
- The benefits on this
- Buyer - Grocery position include -
- 10% Bonus potential
- Hybrid working (2 days WIO) with occasional travel
- Free Gym
- Private healthcare
- 25 days holiday
- Strong pension contribution
- Learning &Development opportunities
If you feel that this opportunity sounds like you and you Buyer - Grocery experience, please send your cv quoting the reference no. JO-2511-115313/A
We request that candidates send their CV as a Microsoft Word document where possible.
Quest Search and Selection is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Buyer - Grocery in London employer: Quest Search and Selection Ltd Careers
As a leading global retailer, this company offers an exceptional work environment for the EU SEO Specialist role, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a range of perks including a subsidised café, gym membership, and a contributory pension scheme, all while working in a dynamic office setting that encourages professional growth and development. With a strong focus on employee well-being and a commitment to driving eCommerce success across multiple European markets, this is an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
Contact Details:
Quest Search and Selection Ltd Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Grocery in London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Quest Search and Selection Ltd Careers, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Quest Search and Selection Ltd Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Grocery in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Quest Search and Selection Ltd Careers, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Quest Search and Selection Ltd Careers and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Quest Search and Selection Ltd Careers that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Quest Search and Selection Ltd Careers
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!