Senior Buyer

Quest Search & Selection are partnering with this leading food buying & procurement organisation based in the UK. Their clients will include foodservice sites and hospitality partners who would purchase food, ingredients and everything in-between This business work closely with their clients to deliver expert procurement services saving them both time and money whilst offering a unique purchasing power.

This Senior Buyer role you will be involved in the end-to-end buying process for the core soft drinks category team.

**Key responsibilities**:

- Accountable for management of the Drink spend (c £30m spend) supporting the Head of Retail in delivering the overall business plan for all Retail areas of spend
- To proactively manage & lead the supply base to drive buying efficiencies to ensure the commercial and ethical sourcing of great products
- Accountability for the Category pipeline, identifying & driving opportunities to increase activity and spend.
- Full accountability for all commercial & financial KPI’s providing regular updates on performance.
- Full alignment with internal and external stakeholders regarding the Category Strategy.
- Undertake & lead all large contract negotiations with suppliers/manufacturers.
- Develop relationships with key suppliers that promote honest collaborative ways of working
- Creating an environment for you team that promotes innovation and strategic thinking.
- Leading a Buyer who assist with your awareness of market trends identifying opportunities to develop ranges and excite your customers.

**Key requirements**:

- 4 - 5 years Buying or Purchasing experience
- You must have experience in a supermarket, convenience, foodservice, manufacturing or retail environment
- If you have drinks experience this will be desirable but no means essential
- Ideally have experience in talent management for example in selection and performance
- Have dealt with complex and high value contact negotiations and pricing.
- You must be a good communicator that is confident to deal with internal & external stakeholders
- Analytical in your approach and be someone with a track record of success that can show commercial awareness and achievement

**What is it for you if successful in this position**:
This is a great opportunity to work for a £Billion industry with growth for the right calibre individual who are in their right stage of Buying or procurement career. In addition to the support, training, they offer
- Flexible working (including working from home 3 days a week)
- Pension
- Private healthcare
- Life assurance
- Discounts across retail & hospitality businesses
- 25 days holidays.
- Quest Search and Selection is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy._

**Salary**: £40,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Windsor, Berkshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person