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- Tasks: Lead a team of Category Managers in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join a leading eCommerce platform specialising in food and consumer goods.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 15% bonus, share options, and flexible office days in London.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic, growing business with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in Category/Buying roles, strong leadership, and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Submit your CV as a Word document to apply for this exciting opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Quest Search & Selection is currently seeking a Head of Buying to lead a team of Category Managers for a Food/FMCG retailer. The company is a leading retail eCommerce platform specializing in consumer goods and food delivery, offering a wide range of products including household essentials, medication, pet care, office supplies, beauty, groceries, and fresh prepared food. This global business is experiencing growth and is looking for an individual with proven leadership and category management experience, an analytical mindset, and the ability to deliver results through their team in a scalable, tech-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities of the Head of Buying - Food/FMCG
- Lead and structure a team of Category Managers, formulating and implementing strategic processes.
- Oversee projects related to new transformation systems and automation to enhance productivity.
- Monitor competitive pricing and adjust pricing policies accordingly.
- Manage relationships with key accounts, ensuring compliance with pricing, promotions, and service standards.
- Negotiate deals with suppliers and regional partners.
- Provide customer insights to optimize algorithmic buying decisions and product availability.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and senior leadership on in-app merchandising and alignment with brand value.
- Identify deviations from expectations and develop hypotheses for validation.
Key Requirements of the Head of Buying - Food/FMCG
- Minimum of 7 years in a Category/Buying role, preferably in supermarkets, convenience stores, FMCG, or eCommerce food.
- Experience leading teams while remaining hands-on in strategy and decision-making.
- Experience leading transformation projects in similar environments is highly desirable.
- Background in early-stage start-ups/scaling companies or established eCommerce/retail FMCG sectors.
- Data-savvy with strong analytical skills to underpin decision-making.
- A builder mindset, proactive and strategic.
- Managed P&L responsibilities with a turnover of £40-80 million.
- Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office.
Benefits for the Director of Buying & Supply Chain
- Based at the central London head office, with an expectation of 3-4 days in the office per week.
- 15% discretionary bonus.
- Share options.
- Part of a rapidly growing global business.
- This role offers an excellent opportunity to lead an entrepreneurial team within a dynamic business environment.
If interested, please apply with your CV, quoting reference No. JO-56. Candidates are requested to submit their CV as a Microsoft Word document where possible. Quest Search and Selection is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy.
Head of Buying employer: Quest Search and Selection Ltd
Contact Detail:
Quest Search and Selection Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG and eCommerce sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in food retail and eCommerce. Being knowledgeable about current market dynamics and consumer behaviour will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your analytical mindset.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led transformation projects or improved team performance, as this will be crucial for the Head of Buying role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's product range and their competitive positioning. Understanding their offerings and how they compare to competitors will allow you to speak confidently about potential strategies and improvements during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in category management and leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in previous positions, particularly those that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to drive results.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you meet these criteria and why you're a great fit for the role.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical capabilities, consider including specific examples of how you've used data to inform decision-making in previous roles. This could include successful projects or initiatives where your analytical mindset led to positive outcomes.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application as a Microsoft Word document, as requested. Double-check that you quote the reference number JO-56 in your application to ensure it reaches the right team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Quest Search and Selection Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Buying, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in category management or similar roles. Highlight specific achievements that showcase your ability to drive results through your team.
✨Be Data-Driven
Given the analytical nature of this role, be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform your buying decisions. Bring examples of how you've monitored competitive pricing and adjusted strategies based on data insights. This will show your potential employer that you're not just a leader but also a strategic thinker.
✨Understand the Company’s Market Position
Research Quest Search & Selection and their client’s market position within the Food/FMCG sector. Be prepared to discuss current trends in eCommerce and how they might impact buying strategies. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing supplier relationships or leading transformation projects, and prepare your responses. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
