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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Tea category and manage product development from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Whittard, a luxury tea and coffee brand with a rich history since 1886.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, up to 50% discount, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey in a dynamic team that values innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer or Category Manager in retail or FMCG is essential.
- Other info: Whittard promotes diversity and inclusion, fostering a supportive workplace culture.
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
About You
- 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)
Benefits
- 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 Milton employer: Whittard Of Chelsea
Contact Detail:
Whittard Of Chelsea Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Milton
✨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 the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Whittard’s products, their tea category, and recent trends in the market. Show us you’re passionate about what we do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence before the big day.
✨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 joining the Whittard family.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Milton
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 love numbers! Use customer insights, trends, and performance data to back up your strategies. In your application, mention specific examples where you've used data to shape product ranges or make informed decisions.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whittard Of Chelsea
✨Know Your Tea and Coffee
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of tea and coffee. Understand different types, origins, and brewing methods. This will not only show your passion for the product but also demonstrate that you can engage in meaningful conversations about the category you'll be managing.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially with suppliers. Be ready to discuss how you achieved favourable terms and built strong relationships. This is crucial for the Buyer role, so make sure you highlight your experience in this area.
✨Understand Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the tea and beverage market. Bring insights to the table during your interview about what’s popular, emerging flavours, or consumer preferences. This shows that you're commercially curious and proactive, which are key traits for the role.
✨Be Ready for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of examples where you've successfully worked with other teams, like marketing or supply chain. Highlight how you influenced stakeholders and contributed to a project’s success. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a cross-functional environment, which is essential at Whittard.
