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- Tasks: Lead procurement for our Pantry category, driving innovation and supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join London’s top Artisan Bakery, known for quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy fresh bread daily, generous discounts, 25 days holiday, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to change the food system through ethical sourcing and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying management, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for sustainability.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on community, respect, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Bread Factory is London’s leading Artisan Bakery, known for award-winning breads, pastries, and cakes, supplying top-quality products across e-commerce, grocery, food services, and retailers such as our GAIL’s Bakeries nationwide. As our teams grow, we seek our next GAIL's Buying Manager to join our team.
As the GAIL’s Buying Manager, you will be responsible for the category we call ‘The Pantry’. This is a collection of branded and un-branded third party produced products, including our jams (from Tea Together), butter (from Quicke’s), honey (from Oxfordshire Honey), and drinks such as Momo Kombucha and Rapscallion.
We Care about a Job Well Done: Since 1993, we have been champions in traditional baking with the finest ingredients and techniques. We always do things the right way, not the easy way.
We Care about Baking: At The Bread Factory, all our teams take pride in crafting beautiful, freshly baked loaves, pastries, and cakes. We are all passionate about our products and share knowledge among us all.
We Care about Each Other: We always act with respect, empathy, and support to our employees, neighbours and customers.
We Care about Community: We believe in minimising unsustainable practices and reducing waste while ensuring we continue to provide everyone with nutritious high-quality food.
We Care about Nature: We’re committed to sustainability across our supply chain—from reducing waste and reusing surplus to supporting regenerative farming that helps restore the planet.
Every day is different at The Bread Factory, but here are some of the things you will be doing:
- Drive initiatives to outperform vs budget and remove cost where it doesn’t add value.
- Own the use of merchandising space and work in partnership with Operations & Creative Studio to drive more relevance to customers and stronger commercial performance.
- Own the GAIL’s Craft Community and the supplier partnership strategy. Be the face of GAIL’s to many of our most special relationships.
- Manage the full procurement process including market research, competitive pricing, supplier selection and negotiation, contract implementation and supplier performance review.
- Actively maintain live knowledge of supply markets and develop/implement buying strategy.
- Pro-actively find interesting new partners based on the creative vision for The Pantry.
- Collaborating with the Creative Studio, NPD and Technical teams you’ll be driving the delivery of new ranges into GAIL’s.
- Understand and participate in the Innovation Stage Gate process, to ensure the on-time delivery of new launches within the seasonal plan.
- At all times you will have a close eye on the competitor and industry landscape.
- Be a true partner to the Creative Studio and Operations teams, so you can deliver the vision in a way which is sympathetic to the realities of operating our bakeries.
- Protect the integrity of our GAIL’s Craft Community whilst driving the commercial performance of the ranges. Engage with Finance and Data & Insight to provide fact-based insights on what can change and why.
Our team tells us you will be a great addition if you have:
- Experience ideally at Buying Manager level or equivalent, with a record of delivering strong results.
- Knowledge of negotiating skills such as GAP approach.
- Experience in creating and delivering strategic plans and budget forecasts.
- Experience nurturing small supplier and partner relationships.
- Confident communicator who can engage effectively at all levels.
- Able to live the values each day and is passionate about our mission to change the food system through sustainability, ethical sourcing and making things better each day.
- Someone who can make things happen, is highly organised and can support our ambition to be one of the best bakeries in the world.
What’s in it for you:
- Fresh bread daily to take home to enjoy with family and friends.
- 50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants.
- 24-hour GP service.
- Cycle to work scheme.
GAIL\'s Buying Manager employer: The Bread Factory
Contact Detail:
The Bread Factory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land GAIL\'s Buying Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for baking and sustainability! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your love for quality ingredients and ethical sourcing. It’s all about aligning with their values and showing you’re the perfect fit for GAIL’s.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research The Bread Factory and GAIL’s thoroughly. Know their products, their mission, and how you can contribute to their goals. Bring ideas to the table about how you can help drive their buying strategy forward.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace GAIL\'s Buying Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Baking: When you're writing your application, let your love for baking shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at The Bread Factory. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for quality ingredients and traditional baking.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the GAIL's Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and supplier relationships, and don’t forget to mention any innovative ideas you have for ‘The Pantry’!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps to break down your achievements and make them stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Bread Factory!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bread Factory
✨Know Your Pantry Products
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the products in ‘The Pantry’. Research the brands and suppliers mentioned in the job description, like Tea Together and Quicke’s. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can enhance their offerings.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss your negotiation experience using the GAP approach. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully negotiated contracts or supplier agreements. This will demonstrate your capability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Since The Bread Factory values sustainability, be ready to talk about your understanding of ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve implemented eco-friendly initiatives in your previous roles.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with The Bread Factory's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding community and quality. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits their culture.
