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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: Generous holiday allowance, up to 50% discount, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer or Category Manager in retail or FMCG.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values individual differences.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ 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 & drink or premium consumables (desirable)
- Generous holiday allowance + enjoy your birthday off
- Up to 50% store discount on Whittard products
- Monthly product allowance
- Auto-enrolment Pension scheme
- Access to our wellbeing portal and Employee Assistant Programme
- Flexible working opportunities
- Selection of family friendly benefits
Whittard of Chelsea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We thrive to be a diverse and an inclusive organisation. We want to be a place where differences are recognised and celebrated, with a workforce that builds teams from all individualities, backgrounds, and experiences. Together as a Whittard family, we continue to create a culture that encourages, supports, and inspires all our employees to have a voice, to make a positive difference in helping to develop our ambitious brand.
Buyer in England employer: Whittard Of Chelsea
Contact Detail:
Whittard Of Chelsea Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in England
✨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 insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Dive deep into Whittard's products, their tea category, and recent trends. Show us you’re not just passionate about tea but also about 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 or family to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 the Whittard family.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Tea and Coffee: When writing your application, let your love for tea and coffee shine through! We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission at Whittard. Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to our products.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience as a Buyer or Category Manager. We’re looking for someone who can manage the full buying lifecycle, so detail your past roles and achievements that demonstrate your skills in product development and supplier management.
Be Data-Driven: We value candidates who can interpret customer insights and market trends. In your application, mention specific examples of how you've used data to shape product strategies or improve category performance. This will show us you're commercially curious and proactive!
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 for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whittard Of Chelsea
✨Know Your Tea
As a Buyer for Whittard, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of tea and its nuances. Brush up on different types of tea, their origins, and what makes them unique. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your passion for the product.
✨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 key for the role, so make sure you can articulate your approach clearly.
✨Data-Driven Decisions
Whittard values insight-driven strategies, so be ready to discuss how you've used customer insights and market trends in your previous roles. Bring specific examples of how data has influenced your buying decisions or product launches to showcase your analytical skills.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
The role involves working closely with various teams, so prepare to discuss your experience in cross-functional environments. Share stories that highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate effectively, as this will demonstrate your fit within the Whittard culture.