Senior Buyer - Ambient Food

Package

Salary & Hours 

• Competitive Salary
• 37.50 hours per week
• Based on-site at our Liverpool Head Office.

Employee Benefits

• Full-time employees receive 28 days of annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing to 33 days after 5 years of service. Annual leave is pro-rated for part-time or alternative working arrangements.
• Contributable company pension scheme
• 10% store discount at all our retail stores
• Death in Service Benefit
• Long service recognition scheme

MyHB colleague benefits platform with access to:

• Discounts UK wide on retail, leisure, hospitality venues
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential counselling and advice line 
• Low cost voluntary insured health cash plans and cancer cover

Job Introduction

We’re looking for a commercially focused and experienced Senior Buyer to join our fast-paced Buying team and take ownership of our FMCG Ambient Food category. This is a high-impact role where you’ll lead both strategy and execution across branded and own-label ranges, ensuring we deliver market-leading products that meet our customers’ needs and support our wider business goals.

You’ll manage the full buying process—from building supplier relationships and shaping product ranges, to setting pricing, planning promotions and reviewing performance. You’ll also lead and develop a Trainee Buyer, supporting their growth and contributing to the future strength of the team.

Job Overview

• Shape and implement the category strategy across branded and own-label food products.
• Drive performance through effective range planning, pricing and promotional activity.
• Use market data, competitor insights and customer feedback to identify opportunities and reduce risk.
• Negotiate supplier terms including cost prices, promotional funding and rebates.
• Build strong partnerships with key suppliers and brand partners.
• Collaborate with Own Brand and Technical teams to develop and launch own-label lines
• Create customer-focused ranges aligned to our seasonal and commercial plans.
• Lead range reviews and monitor performance to ensure continuous improvement.
• Deliver on key commercial metrics including sales, margin, stockturn and availability.
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Marketing and Finance to ensure plans are commercially robust and operationally viable.
• Line manage and coach a Trainee Buyer, supporting their development and success.
• Play a key role in promoting a high-performing, collaborative culture within the Buying team.

Minimum Criteria To Apply

• Extensive experience in in a commercial buying role within an FMCG retail environment.
• Strong background in managing both branded and own-label food ranges.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Commercially minded with a strong grasp of financials and a keen interest in food and consumer trends.
• Confident working cross-functionally, particularly with Own Brand, Technical, and Supply Chain teams.
• Able to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a fast-moving, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience in managing or mentoring junior team members is desirable.