Job Description

Senior Buyer

Brindisa, now in its 38th year, has grown to become the UK's leading importer of the finest Spanish foods. We search for, select and sell delicious Spanish foods through our Brindisa shops and website, and via wholesale to businesses throughout the UK. We devote our time to Spain and its produce because we love the food and are passionate about sharing it with others.

Our core values are what we live by: they shape the Brindisa culture and define its character. Put simply this is what it's all about... love of food, integrity, knowledge of Spain, innovation. We take pleasure in our work and celebrating our successes together.

Main Purpose of the Job

Responsible for developing and managing key supplier accounts, products and packaging and delivering sales and profitability

The principle aims are to ensure we are first choice for Spanish food within each category, and we grow them with sustained long-term profitability. Achieving this through an in-depth knowledge of food and the quality of our service standards. Responsible for agreeing in conjunction with the Buying Manager and implementing a buying plan which allows Brindisa to capitalise on commercial opportunities. To be responsible for sourcing packaging based on the needs of internal [FP4] departments and the company's long term sustainability goals. Negotiate terms and cost savings with the suppliers, develop new tools for stock management and coordinate purchase orders with the Supply Chain Team.

Key responsibilities

Suppliers & Customers

Select according to quality, taste and authenticity based on Brindisa values ensuring best possible price to our customers across our diverse portfolio.

Understand our market, our customers and our unique point of difference and use this knowledge to build relationships with key suppliers negotiating contracts, prices and promotional support.

Ensure costs and margins are accurate, and any changes are reflected in the trade and proposed retail prices.

Keep fully abreast of market trends and competition activity.

Aim to visit all key suppliers annually and attend trade shows to discuss or plan new business opportunities and resolve supplier performance issues.

Work closely with the Technical and Supply Chain teams to ensure we meet our agreed food quality standards, agreed supplier service levels and company stock holding policy.

Coordinate with the Marketing team for packaging projects related to our brands.

Work on improving the sustainability of the packaging used in the company.

In line with the Buying Manager, take overall charge of the supplier databases, product and price set up and pricing documents.

Commercial

Collaborate closely with the sales team to develop annual sales forecasts, establish clear performance metrics, identify product gaps with the category and report findings to the Buying Manager.

Use the Brindisa Annual Plan (BAP) process as the basis for annual planning, identifying and implementing income generation proposals and opportunities for improved supply solutions.

Review the category range quarterly, implementing necessary changes. Monitor slow moving lines and establish clear criteria for discontinuation where appropriate.

Propose selling prices in collaboration with the Buying Manager, ensuring target gross margins are met.

Monitor food and packaging quality, organise samples and tastings, feedback communication internally and to relevant suppliers.

Identify and develop new commercially viable lines to meet the company's growth plans according to the BAP following the agree NPD process.

Communicate with the sales team on a regular basis to keep them informed of the product profiles currently on hand.

Collaborate in the launch of new products providing complete product information, help organise product training and presentation and work with the Marketing and B2C teams to ensure we have all necessary marketing and communication tools

Financial

Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers and budget for promotional activities. manage promotional budgets for our customers and supervise any agreements collaborating with the relevant Account Manager

Agree with the Buying Manager budgets for the financial year and work with the team to ensure they are met.

Constantly monitor performance against agreed goals, adapting and taking action accordingly.

Achieve sales and targets whilst adhering to agreed stock levels, ensuring all sales initiatives grow our business and support the sustaining of long-term profitability.

Operational

Work closely with the Warehouse team to ensure accurate product bin locations and efficient use of space.

Work closely with our shops and Brindisa Kitchens restaurants determining range, pricing and training for both food and packaging.

Liaise with HR and the Product Trainer on product training for employees where necessary.

People and Education

Work in collaboration with the UK and Spanish buying team as well as across departments, forging strong bonds to maximize sales and profitability[FP5] .

Liaise with suppliers to obtain detailed and comprehensive product information, and effectively share it with the teams using existing systems.

Actively participate in team huddles, workshops and focus groups to improve commercial and product knowledge to provide excellent customer service.

Take the lead with the support of the Buying Manager to work through your key objectives, identifying potential milestones.

Embrace change, always happy to seek new opportunities, working efficiently and in a cost-conscious way.

General

Have a genuine passion for food and look to continuously learn about our products, production and provenance.

Strive for improving supply chain sustainability by working with the Stock team to find better logistics solutions and using environmentally friendly packaging materials.

Undertake additional tasks, commensurate with status, after consultation and the provision of necessary support and training if appropriate. Operate within all Brindisa policies and procedures.

Represent Brindisa as necessary and appropriately on matters connected internally and externally.

Health and Safety

All employees have a responsibility to maintain the health & safety of themselves and others within the performance of their duties in accordance with the company health & safety policy and to undertake specific health and safety responsibilities as directed.

Previous Experience and Skills:

Essential

A love of food with a discerning and great palate for tasting and food pairings.

Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish (verbal & written).

Demonstrate a strong understanding of profit and loss, budgeting process and the impact of strategic decisions on financial outcomes.

Proven track record of managing suppliers and identifying cost opportunities.

Self-reliant and motivated with proven ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

Excellent negotiation skills to forge and maintain key relationships.

Strong IT skill to include Excel, Word and Outlook.

Strong knowledge of various buying and reporting systems.

Desirable

Keen home cook

Interest in Spanish culture and cuisine

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-49,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance Paid volunteer time Sick pay Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Experience:

buying: 2 years (preferred)
Language:

fluent Spanish (required)
Work Location: In person