Retail Buyer

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Commercial Procurement team, based within the UK's number 1 zoo. As part of the team, the Retail Buyer will be responsible for sourcing and managing products across Chester Zoo, ensuring we have the right products, at the right time and at the right commercial value.

Leading a small team, you will manage the day-to-day buying process, from sourcing products and suppliers through to purchasing, stock management and analysing commercial performance. You'll work closely with our Commercial teams, Finance and Warehouse Management Team to ensure we have the right stock available to meet customer demand, whilst delivering against sales, margin and profit objectives. You will also play an important role in developing our product ranges, managing supplier relationships and identifying opportunities for new products and commercial growth.

The role will work alongside our Commercial Buyer, providing the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of commercial buying across the organisation (e.g. food & beverage, online, other commercial areas), and may support in these areas from time to time.

• Source and develop new products and ranges across Retail, with some crossover into F&B categories.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and commercial terms, and ensure suppliers meet agreed commercial, quality, service and sustainability requirements.
• Plan purchasing and stock requirements, using sales trends, forecasts and trading patterns to ensure product availability whilst managing stock investment effectively.
• Analyse sales, margin, profitability and stock performance to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Work closely with the Warehouse Management Team to maintain accurate stock levels, stock valuation and effective inventory management.
• Support tender and competitive sourcing exercises by providing category knowledge, product specifications, supplier information and commercial evaluation.

• Permanent contract
• £40,430 per annum based on 40 hours per week
• 33 days annual leave
• Annual holiday buy/sell scheme
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%

• A strong commercial mindset and be comfortable using data, market insight and customer demand to make purchasing decisions.
• Proven experience in commercial buying, purchasing or category buying within a commercially focused organisation.
• Experience of buying across a broad range of product categories.
• Strong commercial understanding, including sales, margin, profit, pricing and purchasing costs.
• Experience of sourcing suppliers, negotiating commercial terms and managing supplier relationships.
• Good understanding of stock management, including stock holding, stock valuation, stock turn and sell-through.
• Experience of forecasting demand, planning purchasing requirements and managing buying budgets.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use sales, product and stock data to inform commercial decisions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
• Experience of leading, mentoring or developing team members.

• Experience of buying within Retail, Visitor Attractions, Hospitality, F&B or another customer-facing commercial environment.
• Experience of buying across multiple sales…