Buying Manager – Impulse & Confectionery (12 month Maternity Cover)
Central London HQ (Hybrid – 3 days per week in office)
Up to £80,000 + Car allowance £5,868 + Bonus up to 30% + Family BUPA + 25 Days AL + 1 day for Birthday + Additional Benefits
The Opportunity
Talent Drive are seeking a proven commercial leader to step into a high-profile 12-month maternity cover assignment for the Impulse & Confectionery category at a globally recognised retail business. This is the largest and most strategically critical category for the business encompassing confectionery, healthy snacks and impulse ranges.
You will lead the full category end to end strategy, owning performance, supplier relationships and delivering commercial impact across a fast moving retail environment. This is ideal for someone ready to demonstrate leadership, step up to a senior buying category role and showcase readiness for future permanent leadership opportunities.
What You’ll Do
* Lead the Impulse & Confectionery category, owning commercial performance (sales, margin, growth).
* Manage and develop the supplier ecosystem: negotiation, term optimisation, innovation partnerships.
* Set and drive the pricing, range, and promotional strategy to maximise customer-centric results.
* Champion product range refresh and development aligned with consumer trends (including healthy snacks), brand equity and sustainability.
* Lead seasonal planning, launch campaigns, cross functional projects and strategic initiatives for growth.
* Mentor and influence the wider team: you’ll act as a leader in the category space, supporting development of others and positioning yourself for the next step in your career.
What You’ll Bring
* Significant buying or category leadership experience (ideally at senior buyer or category manager level) within FMCG/retail/food & drink.
* Demonstrable track record of driving success in confectionery, snacks or impulse categories including healthy snacks.
* Strong leadership capability: You’ve managed end to end category strategy, owned people or team influence, and are ready for a leadership role (even if temporary).
* Excellent commercial acumen, confident in negotiation and supplier management.
* Data driven mindset: able to interpret insights and translate into action plans.
* A proactive, resilient operator who thrives in fast-paced environments, inspires others and can step into a leadership cover role with impact.
What’s On Offer
* Hybrid working (3 days in office, 2 from home)
* Annual bonus, OTE is 15% with max of 30%
* Family BUPA Cover
* 25 days holiday + birthday off + bank holidays (option to purchase additional leave, up to 25 days)
* Employee discount, wellbeing benefits, inclusive culture
* Exposure to a globally recognised retail business, opportunity to operate at senior category leadership level and build your leadership credentials
If you’re a commercially strong category leader, ready to take ownership of one of retail’s most dynamic categories for 12 months and ready to showcase your leadership capability and drive real strategic impact, please get in touch!