Head of Buying - Ambient - Retail Human Resources Limited : Job Details

A premium food retailer is looking to recruit for a head of buying, covering ambient foods, to join its established team in London. Part of one of the largest companies in the world, this retailer specialises in providing the highest quality product to its customers. Their mission is to provide the highest quality products, sourced in the most ethical way, that has a strong heritage from its local suppliers. The company puts the customer at the heart of everything they do. This retailer has a highly people centric culture and encourages every employee to be their own authentic version of themselves.

The head of buying will oversee the most high-profile assortment of products within the company, accounting for the largest turnover. You’ll be responsible for driving the commercial strategy across grocery, ambient and health & well-being products. You’ll work as the number two in the UK structure, working closely with the commercial director to identify ways to grow turnover and profitability over the next three to five years. The role will see you managing a team of eight, seeing you take personal responsibility for their training, development and succession within the organisation.

The successful candidate will have gained experience at a head of buying, senior buyer or category manager level. You will be highly energised and motivated, someone who is able to think outside the box and bring a problem solver approach to the organisation. You are able to do things differently from typical food retail, new ideas, different ways of doing things are encouraged. This role has a very high profile within the organisation and you’ll be taking the lead, as the face of the company internally and externally. You’ll be a highly commercial individual, great communicator, confident yet humble.

In return the role is paying up to £95,000 as a basic salary, plus an annual bonus of up to £14,000. There are share options given to you each year which totals around €26,000, vesting every two years. The office base is in the City in a beautiful area of London, with lots of local shops and food outlets that blend office working, with relaxing during lunchtime and refreshment breaks.