Buying Executive – Food Service Wholesale

We need an energetic and talented Buying Executive to join a leading (National) Food Service Wholesaler. They predominantly serve the ‘Out Of Home’ (OOH) Market, having a share of this £40bn sector – so plenty of scope! The Trading Team cover 11 categories with around 6k SKU’s.

The objective of the Buying Executive is to have ownership of the full product life cycle within designated categories to achieve range and financial targets while aligning to the business needs and customer demand. Liaise with Marketing to ensure Trading strategy dovetails with Channel and Consumer insight.

• Manage Suppliers and Customers:

• • Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and customers to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
  • Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers and internal Sales Teams to optimize value and profitability.
  • Address any issues or concerns raised by suppliers or Sales Team in a timely and professional manner.

• Category Management:

• • Develop and implement category strategies to drive growth and profitability.
  • Analyse market trends and consumer insights to identify opportunities for product assortment optimization.
  • Monitor category performance and make recommendations for assortment changes and promotional activities.
  • Price management, Range Reviews, Competitor Analysis, Market updates, Commodity Tracking and reporting.

• Source New Product Lines:

• • Research and identify new product opportunities to enhance the product portfolio.
  • Source new suppliers and products that align with market trends and customer preferences.
  • Evaluate potential suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability to ensure alignment with company standards.

• Own the Category:

• • Take ownership of specific product categories and drive initiatives to maximize sales and profitability. In this case more than likely the Ambient Food category.
  • Develop a deep understanding of customer needs and preferences within the category.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute category plans and achieve business objectives.

• Product Life Cycle Management:

• • Manage the entire product life cycle from introduction to discontinuation.
  • Monitor product performance and make recommendations for product improvements or discontinuations.
  • Develop strategies for product launches, promotions, and end-of-life management.

• Attend Trade Shows and Other Industry Events:

• • Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and industry events to network with suppliers and customers.
  • Stay informed about industry trends, innovations, and best practices.
  • Identify opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and business development.

• Food Safety:

• • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards.
  • Work closely with suppliers to maintain quality and safety standards throughout the supply chain.
  • Implement food safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks and ensure product integrity.

• Legal Regulation Requirements:

• • Stay up to date with relevant legal regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Ensure that all products and operations adhere to applicable laws and regulations.
  • Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to address any regulatory issues or concerns.

Key attributes / Experience:

                     Ability to work efficiently and manage time productively.

Able to prioritise work / goals and meet deadlines.

A high level of numercy.

An understanding of the key metrics that impact Commercial Revenues.

Experience in managing multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Experience in delivering presentations.

Excellent communications, interpersonal and relationship skills.

Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel.

Desirable Experience:

FMCG product knowledge, gained within one of the OOH Channels

Experience managing the Product Lifecycle; List, Launch, Review, De-List

Experience working as part of a Team within an office environment.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a note detailing your experience in a Buying or Sourcing role in FMCG Ambient or Frozen products. business development achievements, and how your skills align with the role.

Send a CV to frank@fmkconsulting.co or call + 44(0)7734 861 080.