Buying Manager

Zachary Daniels Recruitment is thrilled to be partnering with a highly recognised supermarket and convenience brand, known for offering high-quality, affordable food and frozen food products. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, our client is seeking a talented Buying Manager - New Range to help shape the future of their product offerings. This position will concentrate on developing new food and frozen food ranges, sourced from the UK, Europe, and Asia. Candidates with both retail and supplier backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Role Overview:

As the Buying Manager - New Range, you will lead the development and buying of new food and frozen food product ranges, from the initial concept to the successful product launch. You will work closely with suppliers across the UK, Europe, and Asia to source premium quality products and ingredients, ensuring the brand's standards are consistently met. This role also involves collaboration with internal teams to ensure smooth integration of new products into the brand's range. Global travel will be a key aspect of this role, as you will be required to visit suppliers and attend product development meetings internationally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and buying of new food and frozen food product ranges, ensuring alignment with customer preferences and the brand's quality standards.
• Source ingredients and products from suppliers in the UK, Europe, and Asia, ensuring product quality, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Oversee the product development lifecycle, including sourcing, testing, and final product formulation.
• Collaborate with marketing, packaging, and supply chain teams to ensure smooth product launches and integration into the product range.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities for new product development.
• Develop product specifications, packaging requirements, and costings to ensure products are appealing to consumers and profitable.
• Monitor the performance of newly launched products, using feedback and sales data to suggest improvements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Travel globally to meet with suppliers and attend key product development meetings, ensuring strong relationships and understanding of regional market needs.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in buying and new product development within the food and frozen food sectors, ideally in a supermarket, convenience store, or supplier environment.
• Strong experience in sourcing products and ingredients from the UK, Europe, and Asia.
• Knowledge of food safety, quality standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects at once.
• A genuine passion for food range development and a deep understanding of consumer trends.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, particularly when working with global suppliers.
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience managing product profitability and costings.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as part of the role.

Why Join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading supermarket and convenience brand. You will play a pivotal role in developing new products and expanding the product range, all while benefiting from a dynamic and supportive work environment and excellent career development prospects. The added global travel component will allow you to experience diverse markets and suppliers, making it an exciting and dynamic role.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary up to £110,000
• Pension scheme
• Staff discounts
• Career development opportunities
• Health and wellness programmes

BBBH33093