Head of Buying

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.

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Head of Buying

Head of Buying – Cork

Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Buying to join their commercial team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven professional to take ownership of a key product portfolio, driving category growth, supplier partnerships, and commercial performance within a fast-paced retail environment in Cork.

Package

  • Competitive salary DOE
  • Performance-related bonus
  • Pension scheme
  • Hybrid working model
  • Career development and progression opportunities
  • Comprehensive employee benefits package

Responsibilities of this Head of Buying job include:

  • Develop and execute category strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and market share.
  • Manage commercial plans, budgets, and targets across a key trading portfolio.
  • Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships while leading commercial negotiations.
  • Analyse customer, market, and trading data to identify opportunities and inform decision-making.
  • Drive product range development, innovation, and category improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver successful promotional and commercial plans.
  • Monitor category performance and implement strategies to maximise commercial results.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability and success.

Requirements for this Head of Buying job include:

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in a senior commercial, category management, buying, or trading role.
  • Proven track record of delivering commercial growth and strong business results.
  • Strong supplier management and negotiation experience.
  • Previous leadership experience with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
  • Excellent commercial acumen and analytical skills.
  • Strong project management and organisational abilities.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • A proactive, results-driven approach with a passion for retail and innovation.

Should you be interested in hearing more about this Head of Buying opportunity, please apply via the link provided with your updated CV or contact Aoife McCaul on 01 871 7613.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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