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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Food department, curating innovative product ranges and driving category growth.
- Company: Zapp, London's leading premium convenience retail platform, founded in 2020.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Transform how Londoners shop with cutting-edge technology and fast delivery.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in food category management, strong analytical and project management skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced, high-energy role with a focus on collaboration and problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Zapp
Zapp is London’s leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi-trillion dollar convenience retail market, currently dominated by major players, by developing best-in-class customer-centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand-picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.
The Role
We are looking for a visionary Buying Manager to lead our Food department. You will be the commercial engine behind our Ambient, Chilled, and Frozen categories - transforming how Londoners shop for everything from daily essentials to luxury treats. This isn’t traditional retail. You’ll be operating at the intersection of high-end curation and hyper-growth logistics, ensuring our "virtual shelves" are always stocked with the right products, delivered in minutes.
Here’s What You’d Be Doing
- Curate a trending, innovative and relevant product range
- Build and sustain supplier relationships, whilst driving efficiencies across our supply base
- Deliver data-driven insights and market trend analysis to spearhead category growth, providing the analytical backbone for strategic decision-making and competitive positioning
- Own supplier negotiations across cost, delivery and payment terms to maximise profitability and minimise risk
- Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Merchandising, Product, and Partnerships to synthesise a cohesive customer offering
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years experience in a category management/ buying role in the Food industry
- Strong execution mindset and exceptional project management abilities: proven track record of managing multiple concurrent workstreams with competing deadlines and priorities
- Strong analytical skills: confident building business cases, and extracting insights from data to drive decisions
- Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides) or Microsoft Excel; experience with Looker is desirable
- High-energy self-starter with exceptional attention to detail: You thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, making quick decisions with imperfect information while maintaining meticulous accuracy and spotting problems before they escalate
- Tenacious communicator who gets things done: You influence stakeholders at all levels, push back when needed, and maintain a hands-on mentality with natural prioritisation and urgency - always finding solutions rather than roadblocks
Buying Manager, Food employer: Zapp
Contact Detail:
Zapp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager, Food
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those who work at Zapp or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your analytical skills! Prepare some data-driven insights or market trends related to the food sector before your interview. This will demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to Zapp's growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your project management experience. Think of examples where you've juggled multiple tasks successfully. Zapp loves a strong execution mindset, so show them you can handle the heat!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Zapp team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager, Food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Talk about your favourite products, trends, or experiences in the food industry. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you genuinely care about what you’ll be curating.
Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Share examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Buying Manager role. Mention your experience with supplier negotiations and project management to show us you’re the perfect fit.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the Zapp team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zapp
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Zapp's product range, especially in the Food category. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular items, and any unique offerings. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your ability to curate a relevant product range.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of business cases you've built or insights you've extracted from data. Being able to articulate your analytical process will highlight your fit for the role's requirements.
✨Demonstrate Strong Supplier Relationship Management
Think of specific instances where you've successfully built and maintained supplier relationships. Be ready to share how you’ve negotiated terms or driven efficiencies. This will illustrate your capability to manage supplier dynamics effectively.
✨Exhibit Your Project Management Prowess
Prepare to discuss how you've managed multiple projects simultaneously. Use examples that showcase your execution mindset and ability to prioritise tasks under pressure. This will reassure them that you can thrive in their fast-paced environment.
