Description:
We're looking for a strong Senior Buyer to join our Dairy team and lead the cheese category. This role is perfect for someone with a huge passion for cheese who can work with our amazing suppliers – big & small – to source the best unique cheese range at great prices for our customers. You will also work very closely with M&S to curate the right range and pricing hierarchy across brands. This role also has line management responsibility for two people and is a key part of the chilled & frozen leadership team, playing a strategic role in shaping the category strategy and developing a high-performing team.
What You’ll Do
- List 5 key responsibilities the candidate will take on
- Include any line management responsibility
Who You Are
Commercial Accountability
- Be fully accountable for the Cheese category P&L and deliver against all KPIs
- Source the best artisan cheese range from across the world
- Negotiate and execute complex, high-value Joint Business Plans (JBPs) across big FMCG suppliers, small challenger brands/cheesemoungers, Ocado Own Label and M&S branded goods
- Work closely with our suppliers to deliver excellent value for customers across key brands like Cathedral City, Philadelphia, Galbani, President and Dairylea
- Utilise live data to make fast, commercially sound trading decisions
- Partner closely with the M&S team to drive joint initiatives and grow M&S cheese on Ocado
- Ensure zero GSCOP breaches. Always follow the Business Code of Conduct and act with integrity and due diligence
Strategy, Range & Innovation
- Build, own & implement the cheese strategy
- Support your team in building and implementing a strong milk & butter category strategy & range plan
- Collaborate closely with Supply Chain to ensure fantastic availability for customers with minimal waste
Negotiation & Supplier Excellence
- Lead complex negotiations with both large and small suppliers
- Manage and review the performance of the dairy supplier base, communicating and developing strong relationships to drive high engagement
- Identify and create plans to mitigate potential issues/events that may impact the supply, and ensure product quality meets all Ocado requirements
People Management & Performance
- Lead, coach, and empower a team of 2, setting clear direction and fostering a high-performance culture
- As a senior voice in the Chilled & Frozen team, contribute to the wider division’s strategy and cross-functional initiatives
Who You Are
- Significant (5+ years) retail buying experience
- Fresh or dairy buying experience is preferred, but not essential
- A proven track record of delivering breakthrough commercial results and managing a complex P&L
- Exceptional negotiation skills with experience leading strategic supplier agreements and JBPs
- Proven capability in managing and developing others; you can inspire a team and build future talent
- A passion for great cheese