Senior Buyer

Description:

A leading Premium Wine & Spirits supplier in the UK is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to take full ownership of its Spirits, Beer, Soft Drinks, and Champagne categories. This is a remote-based role, with occasional travel to London, offering the chance to work with award-winning, premium brands in a strategic and commercially critical position.

As a Senior Buyer, you’ll lead end-to-end procurement responsibilities, including supplier relationship management, portfolio optimization, pricing negotiation, category strategy, and NPD. This opportunity is perfect for a commercially astute and category-driven individual with a passion for the premium drinks market and a background in spirits procurement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Management: Develop and deliver a strategic buying plan for the assigned drinks categories (spirits, beer, champagne, softs)

• Supplier & Brand Management: Build strong partnerships, negotiate best-in-class terms, and secure exclusive deals

• Market & Trend Analysis: Monitor industry trends and consumer insights to drive innovation and stay ahead of the competition

• Profitability & Performance: Maximise category profitability via margin optimization, pricing strategy, and cost control

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with sales, operations, and marketing teams to align commercial objectives

• New Product Development: Identify and onboard new and exclusive products to enhance the premium positioning

• Stock & Supply Chain Management: Forecast demand and maintain optimal stock levels to ensure consistent supply

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Essential: Experience buying for Spirits within the drinks industry (Campari, Disaronno, William Grant, etc.)

• FMCG/Drinks Experience: Proven success in buying and managing drinks portfolios

• Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation skills with a deep understanding of pricing and category strategy

• Industry Passion: In-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for spirits, beer, and champagne markets

• Analytical & Strategic Thinker: Ability to leverage data and insights to drive category growth

• Relationship Builder: Excellent communicator who can maintain and grow supplier and internal partnerships

• Performance-Focused: Proven track record of driving commercial results and launching new products

Company Benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus

• Private health insurance and pension scheme

• Professional development opportunities and career progression

• Access to premium and award-winning brands

• Remote working with occasional travel