Are you a dynamic and results-driven professional with a passion for procurement and sustainability? We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Buyer to join our client’s team. This role is pivotal in ensuring we secure products on competitive terms and in the right quantities, for differing seasons.  The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in a buying environment, excel at building strong relationships with suppliers, and have a passion for account management and business development, including networking. As our client’s first ‘buyer’ recruit, this role offers the unique opportunity to shape the position, with significant potential for future leadership and team management responsibilities.  As Lead Buyer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Procurement: Develop and execute a customer-focused procurement plan to maximise sales and profit margins.
• Collaborative Efforts: Work closely with category managers to create a cohesive buying and merchandising strategy.
• Product Development: Collaborate on product range development to align with our brand positioning for the professional amenity market.
• Market Analysis: Continuously monitor market activity, conduct competitive shopping, and gather market intelligence to inform commercial actions.
• Supplier Partnerships: Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiate competitive prices, and ensure robust contract terms.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Improve inventory management processes to enhance stock turnover, reduce obsolescence, and improve packaging standards while minimising environmental impact.
• System Improvements: Work on system enhancements to improve process workflows and IT efficiency.

 As Lead Buyer, you must have:

• Experience in a buying environment and understanding of the buying cycle.
• Awareness of best practices in buying and technical knowledge of product areas.
• First-class buying and demand forecasting skills.
• Advanced IT skills and experience with KPI and budget management.
• Ability to operate in a dynamic environment with varying seasonal demands.
• Strong commercial acumen and results-driven mindset.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and project management skills.

  Benefits include:

• 25 days holiday + BHs
• Discounts across all brands through multiple businesses
• Well-being and financial support programmes
• Pension – match up to 5%
• Cycle to work scheme

  If you are committed to driving procurement excellence and sustainability while meeting and exceeding customer needs, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity as a Lead Buyer.  Get in touch to find out more!  Anne Corder Recruitment Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and as an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Anne Corder Recruitment Ltd, your personal data may be added to our database as part of the application process. Our privacy policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.  Your details will be reviewed by one of our Recruitment Partners and we will contact you again within 5 working days if your application is to be progressed further.