At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and develop product ranges in a fast-growing e-commerce business.
- Company: VetUK, a leading player in the veterinary and pet health sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000, hybrid working, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Join a team where your influence can drive real change in the industry.
- Why this job: Shape product strategy and build meaningful partnerships in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in veterinary/pet sector and strong supplier management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Thirsk (Hybrid - minimum 3 days office)
Salary: Up to £50,000 DOE
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Are you a Buyer ready to step into a more strategic, relationship‑driven role? VetUK is looking for a commercially minded Buyer / Purchasing Manager to take ownership of key supplier partnerships and help shape the future of their product range within a fast‑growing e‑commerce business in the veterinary and pet health sector.
The Opportunity: VetUK is looking for a Senior Buyer / Purchasing Manager to replace a long‑standing team member and take ownership of a strategically important product and supplier management role. This is not a traditional transactional buying role. Instead, it sits closer to Category Management / Product Management, focusing heavily on supplier partnerships, product range development and inventory ownership within a fast‑growing e‑commerce business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships
- Own inventory planning and product range development
- Work closely with VetUK's primary distributor and fulfilment partner
- Manage relationships with key brands in pet care & nutrition
- Oversee 3PL and fulfilment collaboration
- Work alongside analytics teams to drive product and commercial decisions
Circa 80% of products are supplied via VetUK's fulfilment partner. Our role comes with strong strategic supplier management focus. Only ~20% traditional buying activity within this role. There is significant opportunity for role growth and development.
Ideal Candidate:
- Experience within the veterinary / pet / animal health sector
- Background within veterinary suppliers is highly desirable
- E‑commerce experience is preferred
- Strong supplier and stakeholder management skills
- Could come from supplier side (sales/account management), moving into buying, if not from a procurement background
If you're looking for a role where you can build meaningful supplier partnerships and genuinely influence product strategy within a growing e‑commerce business, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact: (Please Apply Directly - No Agency Submissions)
Senior Buyer in Thirsk employer: VetPartners
Contact Detail:
VetPartners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Thirsk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary and e-commerce sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience in supplier management and product development. This will help you stand out when chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like VetUK, and express your interest in potential opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on trends in the veterinary and pet health sector. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also make you a more attractive candidate for strategic roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Thirsk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in supplier management and e-commerce, as these are key to what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this strategic role. Share specific examples of how you've built supplier relationships or influenced product strategy in the past.
Showcase Your Industry Knowledge: Since we're in the veterinary and pet health sector, it’s important to demonstrate your understanding of this industry. Mention any relevant experience or insights that could benefit our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This helps us streamline the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at VetPartners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of inventory management and product range development. Brush up on key metrics related to supplier performance and e-commerce sales. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
This role is all about building strong supplier partnerships. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with suppliers or stakeholders in the past. Highlight any strategies you've used to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the veterinary and pet health sector, including current trends and challenges. Being able to discuss market dynamics and how they impact product strategy will show that you're not just a buyer, but a strategic thinker who can contribute to VetUK's growth.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about VetUK's approach to supplier management and product development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.