Buying Manager – Goods Not for Resale (GNFR) in Shrewsbury

Role Overview:

We are looking for a commercially focused Buying Manager – Goods Not for Resale (GNFR) to improve the value Wynnstay achieves from purchasing goods for internal use across the Group. This is a hands-on role where you will negotiate with suppliers, strengthen purchasing arrangements and deliver measurable cost savings.

You will work closely with colleagues across our stores, operational sites and central functions to understand purchasing needs, review expenditure and make better use of the Group’s combined buying power. From consolidating suppliers and standardising products to securing competitive pricing, you will have the scope to make a measurable commercial impact.

The role covers goods purchased for internal operational use, excluding manufacturing raw materials, goods for resale and specialist corporate services such as banking and insurance.

Reporting to: Director of Buying

Location:Astley near Shrewsbury, with regular travel to suppliers, stores and key Group sites

Responsibilities:

• Deliver agreed annual GNFR savings targets through supplier negotiation, improved pricing, supplier consolidation and more effective purchasing arrangements.

• Analyse expenditure and purchasing patterns across the Group to identify opportunities to reduce costs, duplication and waste.

• Develop and implement buying plans across agreed categories, including operational consumables, packaging, personal protective equipment, maintenance supplies and equipment.

• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms and purchasing agreements, evaluating competitive quotations and alternative suppliers to secure value for money.

• Build effective supplier relationships and monitor performance against agreed pricing, quality, delivery and service standards, resolving issues where required.

• Work with operational and functional teams to understand requirements, standardise products where appropriate and balance cost with quality, availability, safety and suitability.

• Introduce and promote preferred supplier arrangements and consistent buying processes, constructively challenging existing practices where better value can be achieved.

• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing and agreement records, including renewal dates, and provide regular updates to the Director of Buying.

• Track savings opportunities and work with Finance to validate and report savings achieved.

• Ensure purchasing activity follows Group policies, financial controls and approval processes, while supporting responsible sourcing and sustainability objectives.

What we’re looking for:

Essential:

• Strong experience in buying, purchasing, procurement or supplier management.

• Proven ability to negotiate with suppliers, secure competitive commercial terms and deliver purchasing cost savings.

• Strong commercial and financial awareness, with the ability to analyse expenditure, compare supplier proposals and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Experience managing supplier relationships and resolving commercial or service issues.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to influence colleagues and constructively challenge established purchasing practices.

• A practical, organised and results-focused approach, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities independently.

• Confidence using Excel and purchasing or business systems to monitor expenditure, maintain accurate information and report progress.

• Ability to balance cost savings with quality, service and operational requirements.

• Willingness to work across departments and locations and travel regularly to suppliers, stores and Group sites.

Desirable

• Experience buying goods not for resale or indirect goods.

• Experience within manufacturing, agriculture, retail, wholesale or distribution, particularly in a multi-site business.

• Experience supporting supplier consolidation, product standardisation or purchasing improvement initiatives.

• Understanding of operational purchasing and inventory management.

• CIPS qualification or working towards one.

Why Join Wynnstay?

This is an opportunity to shape how Wynnstay buys goods for internal use, strengthen supplier relationships and deliver measurable value across a diverse, multi-site agricultural business.

You will have the scope to identify opportunities and turn them into practical improvements, supported by colleagues across Stores & Buying, Finance and the wider Group.