JOB PURPOSE
As Buying Manager – Pantry, you will lead the development, performance, and integrity of our Pantry category: a curated collection of branded and unbranded products made by trusted partners who share our values.
Working closely with Creative Studio, Operations, Finance, and our supplier community, you will balance craft, commerciality, and sustainability — ensuring every product earns its place on our shelves and delights our customers.
ABOUT THE JOB
Category Ownership & Commercial Performance
Own the Pantry category end-to-end, delivering strong commercial results while protecting quality and craft.
Drive performance against budget by identifying opportunities to remove costs where they do not add value.
Use data and insight to evaluate range performance, customer relevance, and space optimisation.
Maintain a strong understanding of competitor and market dynamics to inform strategy.
Supplier Partnerships & Craft Community
Own and nurture the GAIL’s Craft Community for Pantry suppliers, acting as a trusted partner and ambassador for GAIL’s.
Build long-term relationships with both established and emerging suppliers, ensuring alignment with our values and standards.
Lead supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and ongoing performance review.
Protect the integrity of our partnerships while delivering commercial growth.
Range Development & Innovation
Proactively seek out exciting new partners and products that align with the creative vision for the Pantry.
Work closely with Creative Studio, NPD and Technical teams to deliver new and seasonal ranges.
Own the buying input into the Innovation Stage Gate process, ensuring on-time and high-quality launches.
Collaboration & Ways of Working
Partner closely with Operations and Creative Studio to deliver the Pantry vision in a way that works operationally in our bakeries.
Engage Finance and Data & Insight teams to provide fact-based recommendations on range evolution and performance improvement.
Ensure merchandising space is used effectively to maximise customer relevance and commercial return.
ARE YOU THE MISSING INGREDIENT
You’ll thrive in this role if you are:
An experienced Buying Manager (or equivalent) with a strong track record of delivering results.
Commercially astute, with proven negotiation skills (including GAP-style approaches).
Experienced in building and nurturing small supplier and partner relationships.
A confident and credible communicator, able to engage effectively at all levels.
Strategic and organised, with experience creating and delivering plans and forecasts.
Values-led and passionate about sustainability, ethical sourcing and improving the food system.
Someone who makes things happen and is excited by our ambition to be one of the best bakeries in the world.
BENEFITS BAKED IN
Fresh bread daily to take home and share.
50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
25 days holiday + Bank Holidays.
Pension scheme.
Discounts and savings from high-street retailers and restaurants.
24-hour GP service.
Cycle to work scheme.