At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and execute the wine buying strategy, sourcing exceptional wines globally.
- Company: Join Tanners Wines, a leading independent wine merchant with a rich history.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, car allowance, bonus, private medical care, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel internationally and represent Tanners at key wine events.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the wine industry while working with passionate experts.
- Qualifications: Proven wine buying experience, strong negotiation skills, and WSET Diploma preferred.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Tanners Wines is one of the UK's leading independent wine merchants and shippers, established in 1842. It is run by James Tanner, Chairman, with the help of an incredibly experienced, passionate team of 110 employees boasting an average tenure of over 12 years. They have been widely acknowledged as one of the very best wine merchants in the country through numerous awards and accolades in recent years. Tanners prides itself on providing outstanding quality of wines supported by excellent customer service with the right 'personal touch' and very deep product knowledge.
Today Tanners operates six retail outlets with Shrewsbury at the centre and their reach extending to Chester, Welshpool, Llandudno, Hereford and Bridgnorth. They also have a thriving online business, backed by an expert technical and marketing team. Through the Trades Sales Team, Tanners supplies excellent wines, beers and other beverages to hotels, restaurants, pubs and independent stores. Sales turnover is approximately £25m.
Role Overview
The Buying Director is responsible for shaping and executing the wine buying strategy at Tanners Wines and reports to the Chairman and Managing Director. This senior leadership role involves sourcing exceptional wines and spirits from around the world, maintaining strong relationships with producers, and ensuring the portfolio reflects the company's values of quality, authenticity and customer delight.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the wine buying strategy aligned with business goals.
- Identify emerging trends, regions, and producers to enhance the portfolio, incorporating market research through connection to Retail and Trade Sales channels.
- Build and maintain long‐term relationships with producers and/or their agents.
- Negotiate pricing, exclusivity, allocations and contributions to product promotional costs.
- Curate a balanced and diverse wine selection across all categories and price points.
- Take a leading role in identifying en primeur offer and securing stock.
- Responsible for product information, compliance and database accuracy.
- New product development and own‐brand re‐design contributor.
- Lead and mentor the buying team, fostering expertise and collaboration.
- Work cross‐functionally with sales, marketing and logistics.
- Manage buying budgets, margins and stock levels.
- Monitor performance of wine ranges and adjust strategy accordingly.
- Participate in tastings, events and educational initiatives to promote the portfolio.
- Represent Tanners Wines as a visitor at key wine fairs and tastings.
- Write captivating text about wines, regions, vintages and travels.
Qualifications, Experience & Personal Attributes
- Proven experience in wine buying, ideally at a senior level.
- Deep understanding of global wine regions, producers, and market trends, especially France.
- Essential language skills: conversational French. Beneficial: Spanish and Italian.
- Strong negotiation and relationship‐building skills.
- WSET Diploma or equivalent wine education preferred.
- Commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
- Able to travel internationally for sourcing and events.
Applications
Seymour John have been formally retained to support the recruitment process on behalf of Tanners Wines. As such, please direct all correspondence regarding this role to Phil Topper. Any third‐party submissions or applications direct to Tanners Wines will be re‐directed to Seymour John for inclusion in a fair assessment and interview process.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full‐time
Job function: Purchasing
Industries: Food and Beverage Retail and Wholesale Alcoholic Beverages
Buying Director in Shrewsbury employer: Seymour John
Tanners Wines is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values quality, authenticity, and customer delight. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development and fosters long-term relationships within a passionate team. Located in Shrewsbury, Tanners not only boasts a rich history but also offers competitive benefits including a negotiable salary, car allowance, bonus, private medical care, and generous holiday entitlement, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the wine industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Director in Shrewsbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend wine fairs, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for wine! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on trends and your favourite regions. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Tanners Wines thoroughly. Know their portfolio, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the Tanners team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Director in Shrewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine:When writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share your experiences and knowledge about different regions and producers. We want to see that you’re not just applying for a job, but that you genuinely care about the industry.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Buying Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in wine buying and any strategic achievements. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the wine industry. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for Tanners Wines.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered in the right way. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seymour John
✨Know Your Wines
As a Buying Director, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of global wine regions and producers. Brush up on your knowledge of current trends, especially in France, and be ready to discuss specific wines and their characteristics during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully secured favourable terms or built strong relationships with producers. This will highlight your ability to negotiate pricing and exclusivity, which is crucial for this role.
✨Align with Tanners' Values
Familiarise yourself with Tanners Wines' mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your buying strategy can enhance their commitment to quality and customer delight, ensuring your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves leading and mentoring a buying team, think about how you can foster collaboration and expertise. Be ready to share your leadership style and how you plan to work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and logistics.
