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Head of Buying

My client, a leading Irish-owned agribusiness and retail organisation, is seeking a strategically minded and commercially driven Head of Buying to lead its retail buying function. This role will oversee all retail hard goods purchasing activities, shaping and executing sourcing strategies that deliver commercial growth, strengthen supplier partnerships, and enhance supply chain performance.

The successful candidate will be a proven leader who combines sharp commercial acumen with operational excellence, building a buying team that drives both margin growth and customer satisfaction. Based in Cork, this role will be pivotal in aligning buying strategies with the company’s long-term goals and evolving market opportunities.

Package

• Generous salary doe
• Bonus
• Pension scheme
• Life Assurance
• Hybrid Working
• Generous annual leave and other benefits
• Opportunity to lead the buying strategy for a well-established and growing retail network

Responsibilities of this Head of Buying job include:

• Develop and implement innovative buying strategies to ensure cost-effective procurement that supports sales and profitability goals.
• Identify new commercial opportunities across retail categories, using market insight and trend analysis to inform buying decisions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing buying team, fostering creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build and manage long-term supplier relationships, negotiating commercial terms that enhance quality, margin, and innovation.
• Collaborate closely with retail operations, e-commerce, merchandising, finance, and marketing to deliver a consistent and compelling customer offer.
• Monitor supplier performance and market conditions to identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and process enhancements.
• Oversee inventory and stock management to optimise working capital while ensuring product availability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and best practice in procurement and supply chain management.
• Report on purchasing activity, performance metrics, and forecasts to senior leadership.

Requirements of this Head of Buying job include:

• 10+ years’ experience in senior retail buying roles with a proven record of driving commercial growth.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in coaching and developing high-performing teams.
• Expertise in sourcing, supply chain management, and product category planning.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong supplier and stakeholder relationships.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness and results-driven focus.
• Competence in digital procurement tools and modern buying practices.
• Ability to anticipate and manage procurement risks effectively.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.

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 or call Aoife Clarke on 01 871 7613 for more information. Unfortunately, due to volume only suitable applicants can be contacted.

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