Senior Buyer

Join to apply for the Senior Buyer role at Ocado Retail

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working – 3 days in the office)

Working hours per week: 40 hours

Level: Associate

Final date to receive applications: 30th January 2026

Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re Ocado Retail
, a market‑leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, . Not only is  the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado
, our same‑day grocery delivery service.

As a Senior Buyer, you will have accountability for a specified category within the commercial buying team. You will work for the Trading Manager for your Sub Pod (e.g., BWS/Impulse/Non Food Grocery/Cupboard). You will be responsible for your buying remit, working with your supply base to ensure the product range is optimised, proactively using data and analysis to maximise performance and drive sales, profitability and share growth to support the overall Ocado Retail strategy and goals.

• Be fully accountable for the category P&L and deliver against all KPIs such as Margin(Profit), Value Index, Sales, Availability and Line Level Profitability and cost of stock.
• Proactively identify opportunities to drive customer penetration and significantly improve the all‑in margin by negotiating with suppliers to deliver savings.
• Plan and execute the comprehensive trade, promotions, and events plan within the value index guardrails.

• Develop the category strategy with support from the Trading Manager/Buying Director.
• Expertly execute category reviews to refine the range, ensuring all changes align with the business and category strategy.
• Identify, analyse, and source first‑to‑market / Ocado exclusive product innovation using deep customer, market, and supplier insights.
• Support a team of Buyers in delivering their own range and strategy reviews.

• Lead negotiations to agree upon and deliver market‑leading Joint Business Plans (JBPs) that align with the customer plan and category strategy.
• Manage and review the performance of a diverse supplier base, communicating and developing strong relationships to drive high engagement.
• Work closely with Supply Chain and the supplier base to ensure best‑in‑class availability and service levels.
• Identify and create plans to mitigate potential issues/events that may impact the supply, and ensure product quality meets all Ocado requirements.
• Follow our GSCOP policy to ensure compliance at all times and always follow the Business Code of Conduct and act with integrity and due diligence.

• Line Management of a team of buyers and provide day‑to‑day coaching and feedback to Category Assistants.
• Be an expert in data, analysing and assessing performance issues and opportunities using reporting tools, and quickly devising and implementing effective solutions.

• Significant retail buying experience within a branded environment with a demonstrated track record of delivering breakthrough commercial results.
• Skilled negotiator with experience in strategic, high‑value, and business‑critical supplier agreements.
• Proven leadership capability with experience in managing/mentoring.
• Exceptional influencing and stakeholder management skills, capable of shaping strategy at a senior, cross‑functional, and leadership level.
• Proficient in Google Suite (e.g., Sheets, Slides), even better if familiar with Gemini and Notebook LM. Prior experience in Tableau is desirable.
• Experience in working with data, with the ability to analyse and assess performance issues and opportunities, utilising the vast data and reporting tools available.
• Proven project management capability required to lead and deliver complex, long‑term business‑wide initiatives (e.g., major range resets).
• A passion for the food & non‑food…