Sourcing Manager
Harrow, London | Up to £53,500 + benefits
35 hours per week | Occasional UK travel to supplier meetings
Are you an experienced food retail buyer or sourcing specialist, confident operating in fast‑moving fresh categories? This role gives you the chance to shape strategy, optimise costs, and strengthen supplier performance across a national own‑label range.
You’ll take ownership of key food categories — with a particular focus on fresh and short‑shelf‑life products — ensuring great value, strong availability, and continued product innovation.
What you’ll bring: Experience & knowledge
* At least 2 years’ buying or sourcing experience within food retail or wholesale — ideally within fresh categories (produce, chilled, meat, dairy, bakery, or similar).
* Strong understanding of production processes, supply chains, MLOR, date coding and retail waste, especially for perishable ranges.
* Proven experience managing cost of goods for own‑label products.
* Confident running tenders that deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
* Comfortable operating within a matrix structure.
* Excellent negotiation skills using varied tactics and approaches.
* Strong cross‑functional collaboration with internal teams and suppliers.
* Ability to interpret commercial and operational data and turn insight into practical action.
* Skilled at influencing at all levels.
* Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
* Competent with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
What you’ll be doing
* Develop and deliver the sourcing strategy for your food categories, aligned to the wider brand blueprint.
* Review market trends, cost drivers and supply chain performance to highlight risks and opportunities.
* Lead negotiations on cost price increases, ensuring clear communication and strong commercial outcomes.
* Build and implement plans to reduce COGS while supporting retail pricing and margin targets.
* Work closely with suppliers to unlock cost efficiencies and drive product enhancement or range development.
* Maintain and review a sustainable supply base with clear SWOT insights and development plans.
* Identify and onboard new suppliers to support innovation, quality, and commercial performance.
Benefits
* 25 days holiday
* Pension
* Life assurance
* Gym membership
If you have strong food retail experience — especially in fresh — and want to make a real impact on category performance, we’d love to hear from you
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