Head of Buying - #2084994

Head of Buying

My client, one of Ireland's leading food retail and wholesale businesses, is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Buying to join their highly successful team. Reporting at a senior level, this role will be responsible for developing and executing category and trading strategies that deliver sustainable revenue, margin, quality and market share growth. Belfast based.

Package

• Generous salary doe
• Bonus
• Car Allowance
• Pension
• Hybrid Working
• Career Development Opportunities
• Life Assurance
• Staff Discount

Responsibilities of this Head of Buying include:

• Develop and implement trading strategies to achieve sustainable long-term revenue, margin, quality and market share growth.
• Lead the overall commercial direction of the buying function, ensuring alignment with wider business objectives.
• Develop annual category plans, budgets and performance targets across multiple product areas.
• Drive category management initiatives to deliver market-leading product ranges and customer-focused solutions.
• Assess commercial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and market position.
• Build and maintain strong supplier and retailer relationships through Joint Business Plans and ongoing engagement.
• Lead promotional planning and execution in line with the overall commercial and marketing strategy.
• Ensure operational and financial performance targets are achieved across the portfolio.
• Analyse customer insights, market trends and competitor activity to inform strategic decision-making.
• Lead, develop and mentor a high-performing commercial team.

Experience required for this Head of Buying includes:

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a senior commercial, buying or trading leadership position managing a significant trading portfolio.
• Proven track record of delivering commercial strategies and driving exceptional business results.
• Strong leadership and people management experience.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to make strategic business decisions.
• Highly numerate with strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced retail, wholesale or FMCG environment.
• Category management experience within retail or wholesale is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the Northern Irish, Irish or UK grocery market would be a distinct advantage.

Aoife Clarke is handling the recruitment for this role in complete confidentiality. Please upload your CV below and she will be in touch should you have the correct experience for the position. For more jobs like this, please visit the Excel Recruitment website. Unfortunately, due to volume only suitable applicants can be contacted.