Head of Buying

A high‑volume, multi‑product retailer is looking to appoint a Head of Buying, a senior commercial leader who can shape strategy, elevate category performance and drive meaningful transformation across a fast‑paced, value‑driven environment.

This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of the FMCG commercial agenda across Food & Drink, Household, Health & Beauty and related categories. You’ll lead a talented team spanning Buying, Trading and Supply, and play a central role in accelerating growth, improving availability, strengthening supplier partnerships and delivering a sharper, more competitive offer for millions of customers.

If you’re commercially bold, thrive in pace, and want a role where your decisions directly influence performance across hundreds of stores, this is the kind of challenge that genuinely moves the needle.

What You’ll Lead & Deliver

You’ll take full ownership of the FMCG commercial agenda, shaping strategy across multiple high‑volume categories and steering a team of Senior Buyers, Buyers, Assistants and Planners to deliver exceptional results. This includes setting the trading direction, managing a significant multi‑million‑pound P&L, and driving category performance through smarter ranges, sharper pricing, stronger promotions and improved supplier partnerships. You’ll lead negotiations with UK and global suppliers, secure improved terms, reduce MOQs, and build new branded relationships that support the business’ growth ambitions. Operationally, you’ll tighten forecasting and demand planning, reduce stock cover while improving availability, and ensure the supply chain is aligned to the pace and demands of a value‑driven retail model. Alongside this, you’ll recruit, coach and develop a high‑performing team, embedding a culture of accountability, capability and commercial excellence — with your decisions shaping performance across a national retail estate.

Why This Role Stands Out

• High impact: your decisions shape performance across a national retail estate
• Full autonomy: freedom to set strategy and build the commercial roadmap
• Transformation agenda: a business investing heavily in its future
• Leadership scope: lead, develop and elevate a multi‑disciplinary commercial team
• Career‑defining: ideal for a commercially driven leader who thrives in pace, complexity and ownership

What You’ll Bring

• Senior FMCG trading or buying leadership experience
• A track record of delivering sales, margin and category growth
• Strong negotiation capability and supplier relationship management
• Experience leading teams in a fast‑paced, high‑volume retail environment
• A hands‑on, commercially sharp mindset with the ability to balance pace and rigour

What’s in it for you

You’ll join a respected, forward‑thinking organisation where commercial ownership is encouraged and high performance is recognised. Alongside a competitive salary of up to 6-figures (DOE), you’ll receive a car allowance and generous holidays. You’ll also benefit from a supportive culture, and the opportunity to play a key role in shaping category strategy and driving meaningful commercial impact.

What to do next

If you’re ready to take on a role where your decisions truly influence trading performance and profitability, please apply with an up‑to‑date CV.