National Buyer – Procurement Lead

About the role

The National Buyer is responsible for negotiating national cycle and promotional deals with suppliers, securing the best costs to keep the business competitive while achieving category margin targets. This role works closely with supplier, regional, and store teams to drive category performance, manage stock levels, and support new product introductions.

Key responsibilities

• Negotiate national cycle and promotional agreements to obtain optimal pricing and terms.
• Manage supplier performance, including service levels, competitiveness, stock availability, and product range.
• Maintain and update supplier listings, ensuring compliance and accurate data loading.
• Monitor regional and store performance through supplier reviews and compare results to benchmarks.
• Analyse DSOH, forecast inflation, and drive first‑to‑market initiatives for new product development.
• Negotiate trading terms, marketing spend, and joint business plans (JBP) with key suppliers.
• Align suppliers with company objectives such as GMROI, stock holding, and obsolete stock reduction.
• Provide category strategy, ranging, margin mix, and stock level guidance to regional and store teams.
• Track competitor pricing weekly and take corrective actions.
• Prepare monthly procurement reports and ensure deal continuity and growth targets.
• Lead performance appraisals, staff training, and retention initiatives for the buying team.

Required profile

• Proven experience in national procurement or category buying within a retail environment.
• Strong analytical abilities to assess pricing, margins, and stock performance.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and communicate strategy clearly.
• Leadership experience, including performance management and staff development.

Required skills