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- Tasks: Lead the Tea category, manage product development, and build supplier relationships.
- Company: Whittard, a luxury tea and coffee brand with a rich history since 1886.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holidays, product discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact in the luxury beverage market.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer or Category Manager in retail or FMCG is essential.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence and innovate.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Whittard, we’re passionate about bringing luxury tea and coffee to our communities. We’ve been achieving this goal since 1886, and have ambitious objectives to grow our business with each role being key in delivering these.
The Buyer is an exciting opportunity to be part of this journey join the Product and Buying team at our Milton Park offices. Reporting to the Head of Product you will lead the Tea category, manage the full buying lifecycle and support the team through category strategy, product development and supplier management.
In return you’ll benefit from hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, fantastic product discounts and investments in your professional training and development.
Responsibilities- Own and deliver the Tea category strategy, balancing core ranges, innovation and seasonal launches
- Lead end‑to‑end product development (NPD and EPD) from concept through to launch
- Use customer insight, trends and performance data to shape range planning
- Ensure all products meet Whittard's high standards of taste, quality and presentation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with global suppliers and lead commercial negotiations
- Identify new sourcing opportunities, origins and innovations
- Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Retail, E‑commerce, Wholesale, Merchandising, Quality and Supply Chain
- Significant experience as a Buyer or Category Manager within retail or FMCG
- A strong track record of managing a commercially important category end‑to‑end
- Proven experience developing and launching new products in a branded environment
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills, ideally with global suppliers
- Skilled in interpreting customer insight, category data and market trends
- Commercially curious, proactive and highly organised
- Thrives in cross‑functional environments and enjoys influencing stakeholders
- Experience in tea, hot beverages, food
Buyer employer: Whittard Of Chelsea
Contact Detail:
Whittard Of Chelsea Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Whittard or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Whittard’s products, values, and recent news. Show us you’re passionate about tea and coffee, and how you can contribute to our growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to showcase your ability to manage supplier relationships. Role-play scenarios with friends to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Tea and Coffee: When you're writing your application, let your love for tea and coffee shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Whittard. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the products we offer.
Highlight Your Buying Experience: Make sure to detail your experience as a Buyer or Category Manager. We’re looking for someone who can manage the full buying lifecycle, so include specific examples of categories you've owned and how you’ve driven their success. This is your chance to show us what you can bring to the table!
Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills: Negotiation is key in this role, so don’t shy away from showcasing your skills! Include examples of successful negotiations with suppliers and how you’ve built strong relationships. We want to know how you can help us secure the best products for our customers.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whittard Of Chelsea
✨Know Your Tea and Coffee
Dive deep into the world of tea and coffee before your interview. Familiarise yourself with different types, origins, and trends in the market. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your passion for the product, which is key for a Buyer at Whittard.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially with global suppliers. Highlight your strategies and outcomes to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. This is crucial for the role, so make sure you can articulate your successes.
✨Understand the Buying Lifecycle
Brush up on the full buying lifecycle from concept to launch. Be ready to discuss how you've managed this process in previous roles, particularly in developing new products. Showing that you can handle end-to-end product development will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Whittard values teamwork across various departments. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with marketing, supply chain, or other teams. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a cross-functional environment, which is essential for the Buyer position.
