Senior Buyer/Head of Buying:

Senior Buyer / Head of Buying
Location: Amersham
Competitive Salary & Benefits

Our client are a fast-growing importer and distributor of Asian and Oriental food.  They are seeking a commercially driven Senior Buyer/Head of Buying to operate at a senior leadership level directly alongside one of the founding Directors.
This role requires international travel

Role Overview
Senior Buyer/Head of Buying
The successful candidate will work with junior buyers/demand planners, imports and a technical team.
Communication and collaborative working will be key.
This role will take ownership of supplier and brand relationships within a defined geographical territory (likely East Asia and/or South Asia), leading all aspects of sourcing, negotiations, product development, and commercial strategy.
The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future product portfolio, improving internal buying processes, and driving profitability across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Lead sourcing strategy across assigned regions (e.g., China, Korea, Japan, India, Sri Lanka) 

• Build and manage relationships with international suppliers and partners 
• Identify and onboard new suppliers and manufacturers 
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing structures, and supply agreements 

• Brand Acquisition & Development

• Identify and secure distribution rights (exclusive or shared) for international brands 
• Evaluate brand potential within the UK and Irish markets 
• Develop long-term brand partnerships and growth strategies 
• Negotiate and secure supplier-funded marketing support and investment 

• Product Portfolio & Development

• Identify new product opportunities aligned with market trends 
• Review, streamline, and enhance buying and product listing processes 
• Identify inefficiencies and implement scalable systems and controls 
• Introduce best practices in procurement, sourcing, and category management
• Have key input in increasing resources within the buying team. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams 
• Align buying strategy with commercial and customer objectives 
• Support go-to-market strategies for new and existing products 

Skills & Capabilities

• Proven experience in a senior buying / procurement role 
• Strong background in import buying, ideally within food or FMCG (but not essential) 
• Experience working with international suppliers, particularly in Asia (preferred but not essential) 
• Demonstrated success in:

• Negotiating commercial agreements 
• Managing supplier relationships 
• Delivering margin improvement 

• Experience securing distribution rights for brands (highly desirable) 
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills 
• Ability to identify and capitalise on new product and brand opportunities 
• Experience building and managing value chains 
• Knowledge of product development and private label sourcing 
• Understanding of marketing principles and ability to negotiate marketing budgets 
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking ability 

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