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- Tasks: Lead the buying team and drive commercial strategy for grocery and health products.
- Company: Join a top food retailer known for quality and ethical sourcing, part of a global giant.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonuses, share options, and hybrid working flexibility.
- Why this job: Be part of a people-centric culture that values authenticity and innovative thinking.
- Qualifications: Experience as a head of buying or senior buyer is essential; creativity and problem-solving skills are a must.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant London location with great local amenities and a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 95000 £ per year.
A market leading food retailer is looking to recruit for a head of buying; covering grocery, health and beauty and well-being, to join its established team in London. Part of one of the largest companies in the world, this retailer specialises in providing the highest quality product to its customers. Their mission is to provide the highest quality products, sourced in the most ethical way, that has a strong heritage from its local suppliers. The company puts the customer at the heart of everything they do.
This retailer has a highly people centric culture and encourages every employee to be their own authentic version of themselves. This is a very exciting time to join this business as they have plans to triple in size over the coming years.
The head of buying will oversee the most high-profile assortment of products within the company, accounting for the largest turnover. You’ll be responsible for driving the commercial strategy across grocery, ambient and health & well-being products. You’ll work as the number two in the UK structure, working closely with the commercial director to identify ways to grow turnover and profitability over the next three to five years.
The role will see you managing a team of eight, taking personal responsibility for their training, development and succession within the organisation. The successful candidate will have gained experience at a head of buying, senior buyer or category manager level. You will be highly energised and motivated, someone who is able to think outside the box and bring a problem solver approach to the organisation. You are able to do things differently from typical food retail; new ideas and different ways of doing things are encouraged.
This role has a very high profile within the organisation and you’ll be taking the lead, as the face of the company internally and externally. You’ll be a highly commercial individual, great communicator, confident yet humble.
In return, the role is paying up to £95,000 as a basic salary, plus an annual bonus of up to £14,000. There are share options given to you each year which totals around €26,000, vesting every two years. The office base is in the City in a beautiful area of London and includes the option of hybrid working, with lots of local shops and food outlets that blend office working with relaxing during lunchtime and refreshment breaks.
Head of Buying employer: RHR
Contact Detail:
RHR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food retail industry, especially those who have experience in buying roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s values and mission thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to ethical sourcing and customer-centric culture will help you align your approach and demonstrate how your experience and vision can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas that could enhance their product assortment and commercial strategy. Think about how you can bring fresh perspectives to the role, as they are looking for someone who can think outside the box and drive growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your approach to training and development, as well as how you’ve fostered a positive team culture, which is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying, particularly in grocery, health and beauty, and well-being sectors. Use specific examples of how you've driven commercial strategies and managed teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the food retail industry and align your values with the company's mission of ethical sourcing and customer-centricity. Mention your innovative approach and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasise your leadership experience, particularly in managing teams and developing talent. Provide examples of how you've successfully trained and developed team members in previous roles.
Highlight Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your understanding of commercial strategy by including metrics or achievements that showcase your ability to grow turnover and profitability. This will show you are the right fit for a high-profile role.
How to prepare for a job interview at RHR
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
As a head of buying, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of commercial strategy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully driven turnover and profitability in previous roles, particularly in grocery or health and beauty sectors.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team of eight, so be ready to discuss your leadership style. Share specific instances where you've trained and developed team members, highlighting your ability to foster a people-centric culture.
✨Demonstrate Innovative Thinking
The company values fresh ideas and problem-solving approaches. Come prepared with innovative strategies you've implemented in the past, especially those that differ from traditional food retail practices.
✨Communicate with Confidence and Humility
As the face of the company, your communication skills are crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, while also showing humility and openness to feedback during the interview.
