Head of Buying

Job Description - Head of Buying

Job Summary

Reporting to the Commercial Director, the Head of Buying is responsible for buying activities relating to Little Farms retail stores and, in some cases, F&B units. They will manage the buying team to ensure effective flow of stock, accurate pricing & promotions and timely sell through to ensure we achieve our commercial goals. They will be the focal point of all communication relating to buying.

Job Scope - The Head of Buying is responsible for :

1) Buying

Managing the buying team to ensure divisional and total retail targets are hit on the below metrics :

• Scan margin
• Promotion markdown
• Discount markdown
• Warehouse availability
• Warehouse stock days on hand

Working closely with the buyers and operations leads to ensure timely and accurate raising of POS.

Working closely with Head of Logistics to ensure clear communication of weekly buy plan to relevant freight / warehouse stakeholders.

Detailed and regular analysis of stock on hand in warehouse and stores to minimise markdown.

Reporting - daily / weekly / monthly performance against the metrics above, and associated follow up. Also promotional efficacy reporting, space range & display reporting.

Regular review and improvement of buying processes.

2) Price and Promotions

• Agreeing with buyers RSPs for retail skus to be in line with overarching pricing strategy whilst also achieving target gross margins. Regular review.
• Promotional planning, both strategic and tactical.
• Linking with marketing to provide detail on both strategic and tactical promotions in a timely fashion.
• Regular competitive price review and reporting on LFL product where applicable, and on core customer basket.

3) Sourcing

• Assisting the Commercial Director in sourcing high quality, delicious all natural products from around the world.
• Onboarding and contract negotiation with new vendors where appropriate.
• Clear communication of new skus and marketing material to relevant parties per product launch SOP.
• Structured review of new product performance against set new product performance metrics.

4) Vendor Management

• The creation and management of vendor performance metrics for top vendors with periodic review.
• Regular reporting against these metrics.

Job Prerequisites

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (i.e. Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Fluent in English
• Detail oriented
• Strong work ethic
• Passionate about helping us build a great business
• Team player
• Adaptable
• Embraces the Little Farms Culture and Values
• Open to occasional work travel