Here you will lead supplier relationships, negotiate commercial terms, and take full ownership of stock availability and compliance. The role covers strategic sourcing with hands-on stock management, ensuring the business stays competitive and supports an exceptional customer experience.
What you will cover:
Supplier Management & Commercial Negotiation
· Act as a credible representative of the business with suppliers and partners.
· Build strong supplier relationships to secure competitive pricing, early product access, and priority fulfilment.
· Negotiate favourable commercial terms including pricing, rebates, and promotional support.
· Challenge underperformance on service levels, minimum order quantities, and lead times.
Stock Management & Availability
· Own forecasting, ordering, and availability across core ranges.
· Maintain high stock availability (typically >97%) through proactive planning.
· Manage the launch and supply chain integration of new products.
· Monitor aged or slow-moving stock and put in place clearance, returns, or supplier-funded reduction plans.
Data & Performance Management
· Monitor supplier dashboards up to date on stock, margin, availability, sales, and product trends.
· Track performance through clear KPIs such as On Time in Full (OTIF) delivery, availability %, and stock ageing.
· Present business cases internally to support key commercial decisions.
Compliance & Regulation
· Stay informed on industry and product regulations, particularly within the vape sector.
· Ensure supplier and product documentation (HMRC, CE, compliance certificates) is accurate and complete.
What you will bring to the role:
· Strong experience in a buying function (FMCG, retail, or distribution), with a proven track record of supplier management and commercial negotiation.
· Commercially astute with excellent negotiation skills.
· Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective supplier relationships.
· Analytical and confident with Excel, KPIs, and dashboards.
· Skilled in forecasting and stock control.
· Strong communication and influencing ability.
· CIPS or equivalent qualification (desirable but not essential).
· Experience managing or mentoring others is an advantage, though not required.
You will also:
· Demonstrate professionalism and consistency in what you say and do in order to build trust
· Take responsibility for actions that sit within your remit, encouraging learning and demonstrating ownership for the actions to improve/change and amend
· Take into account the well-being of others in the design and delivery of your work, creating a culture that supports others to achieve their best at work
· Carefully consider the financial and operational implications of your choices. Take responsibility to provide timely advice and deliver solutions that meet business needs.
· Enable own and others’ continuous professional development using a range of methods. Reflect on experience, seek feedback and apply your learning.
· Understand how your choices and actions impact on wider performance. Adapt your approach and choices in light of new information or changing circumstances.
And above all a happy disposition and a proactive approach!
What will you get in return?
Good Salary
25 days holiday plus stats
Ongoing training and development
Cash-back health scheme including remote GP services
Life Insurance
On-site gym
THE NEXT STEPS!
To bring your Passion with Buying to this role and team please send me your CV – thanks Lindsay
Salary description
£36000.00 - £38000.00 per year