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For Companies At a Glance
- 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 at the forefront of innovation in food retail, with a people-centric culture and growth opportunities.
- 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 environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ 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
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in grocery, health and beauty, and well-being products. Understanding what’s currently popular and what consumers are looking for will help you demonstrate your market knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
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 gain insights into the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas that could enhance the company's product assortment. Think about how you can bring a fresh perspective to their buying strategy and be ready to share these ideas during your conversations with the hiring team.
✨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 this role involves overseeing a team and nurturing their growth within the organisation.
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 Skills: Emphasise your experience in managing teams and developing talent. Provide examples of how you've successfully trained and mentored team members, as this role involves personal responsibility for their development.
Highlight Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your understanding of commercial strategies and profitability growth. Include metrics or achievements that showcase your ability to drive turnover and make impactful decisions in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at RHR
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
As a candidate for the Head of Buying position, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of commercial strategy. Prepare examples of how you've previously driven turnover and profitability in your past 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 successfully trained and developed team members, highlighting your ability to foster a people-centric culture.
✨Demonstrate Innovative Thinking
The company values fresh ideas and different approaches. Come prepared with innovative strategies or concepts that could enhance their product assortment or improve customer engagement, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company's mission to provide high-quality, ethically sourced products. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding sustainability and community engagement, to show you're a good cultural fit.
