Senior Category Buying Manager

A key focus of the Senior Category Buying Manager is to build a balanced, commercial and innovative product range. The successful candidate will be accountable for theoretical margin, delivered through supplier negotiation and category management. They will negotiate complex contracts across a diverse number of categories including Savoury, Packaged Drinks, Breakfast & Snacking, representing the values of Caffè Nero in every action and decision.,

• Developing clear category plans including tender dates, range refreshes and supplier strategies - delivering the right mix of sales and margin.
• Negotiating optimum product cost with suppliers and mitigating any annual inflation.
• Demonstrating great communication skills to all levels, from our stores to the CEO.
• Knowing and understanding the relevant market and category performance, delivering meaningful updates by category to the business.
• Owning end to end supplier performance to ensure uninterrupted supply and the best possible commercials.
• Liaising with Supply Chain, Food Development, Marketing and Operations Teams to drive a profitable product range.
• Liaising with the Product Technologist/Food Developer in setting the quality criteria for products, ensuring the optimal balance between quality and price is maintained.
• Securing additional funds to support instore and marketing activities.
• Exploring global supplier agreements across our international territories.
• Providing category management support to the additional 2 brands within the Caffè Nero Group (Coffee#1 and Harris + Hoole) where required.
• Deputise for the Head of Procurement & Category Management (when required).
• Help drive improved processes and support the journey of developing a more mature procurement function.
  
  Strong and relevant experience gained from working in a procurement/buying role within the retail, hospitality, or food & beverage sectors.
• Category Management experience - this is a must!
• Solid evidence of being an excellent negotiator, influencer, and deal maker, who can obtain value for the business, making the best use of budgets.
• An analytical and methodical approach to problem solving and great attention to detail.
• Great communication skills, whether that's presenting, or taking a flexible and adaptable approach with our stores, suppliers and colleagues.
• Experience working with field/operations/store teams to deliver in-store activity.
• Ability to run reports, analyse complex data and make category decisions to drive forward sales and margin.
• A collaborative and supportive coaching style.
• Ability to manage time and priorities.
• Will be proactive, take the initiative and have a growth mindset.
• Aspirations to develop and grow into a Head of Procurement in the coming years.
  
  We are looking for a Senior Category Buying Manager to join us at Caffè Nero. The role is based at our offices in Covent Garden, with a typical weekly working pattern of 3 office days and 2 days worked remotely (including suppliers/stores/home).
  
  Our great benefits:
• A wonderful place to work! With 3 out of 5 days based in our Head Office, right in the middle of bustling Covent Garden.
• Access to our benefits platform, giving you loads of discounts and freebies at the touch of a button.
• 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays), which increases with service.
• 50% employee discount on handcrafted drinks and 40% employee discount on food
• Private medical care through Vitality.
• Medicash (cash plan healthcare scheme).
• Life Assurance.
• Supporting our team members to achieve their professional goals is important to us, so alongside your day to day work you may have an opportunity to complete a professional qualification with our learning partners.
• Free hand-crafted drinks whilst you're in the office - in your first week you'll have Barista training, so you'll know how to make the very best Caffè Nero coffee.